![NYS Seizes More Than 1.5 Million Illegal Cigars](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2017/12/RS4098_161716723.jpg?w=980&q=75)
NYS Seizes More Than 1.5 Million Illegal Cigars
Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Cigarette Strike Force seized more than $6.6 million worth of contraband tobacco in 2017, a $1 million increase compared to 2016. Untaxed cigars made up a bulk of the confiscations; 1.5 million illegal cigars in 2017 compared to 260,000 last year.
The 2017 seizures also included 47,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, 134,000 counterfeit tax stamps and nearly $445,000 in cash. "This illicit activity not only hurts law-abiding businesses but also places undue burdens on taxpayers due to the loss of state revenue for vital services" said Cuomo.
The cigarette Strike Force was created in 2014 to stem illegal tobacco trafficking and sales. The State Tax Department works with the State Gaming Commission and the State Liquor Authority to pursue tobacco-licensed retailers that possess untaxed cigars and/or cigarettes that result in immediate enforcement action, leading to the possible suspension or revocation of licenses to sell tobacco, alcohol, or lottery tickets.
More From Hudson Valley Post
![5 Of America’s Favorite Fast Food Eateries Not Found In New York](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-MixCollage-26-Jul-2024-09-48-AM-2938.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Big Lots Returns To New York Town, Near Recently Closed Store](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-452026504_1163762091512971_3085132799307986825_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How To Get A Reservation At ‘Impossible’ New York Restaurants](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-Screenshot-Capture-2024-07-26-08-29-32.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Virus Spread By Deadly Creature Confirmed In Upstate New York, HV](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/06/attachment-Screenshot-Capture-2024-06-28-07-21-01.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Upstate New York Man Masturbated At Popular Hiking Spot, NYSP](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-Screenshot-Capture-2024-07-26-07-18-06.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Police In Secret Cars Issued Insane Amount Of Tickets In New York](http://townsquare.media/site/498/files/2022/12/attachment-new-york-question-10.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Alert: Meat & Veggies Sold At New York Supermarkets Can Kill](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-Screenshot-Capture-2024-07-26-06-28-14.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New York Seafood Restaurant Earns Title of Best In The World](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-Screenshot-Capture-2024-07-25-09-42-07.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Discount Retail Company With 64 New York Stores Confirms Closures](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2024/07/attachment-Screenshot-Capture-2024-07-25-08-56-39.jpg?w=980&q=75)