Task force will fight cigarette smuggling

[hrmjustin]

By Kelly Fay

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced early last week the creation of a task force to combat illegal cigarette sales he says rob the state of tax revenue.

The governor has tapped the head of the Tax Department's Criminal Investigations Division, Michael Spinosa, to lead the effort.

The Cigarette Strike Force is comprised of 13 state, local and federal agencies and will focus on preventing counterfeit or untaxed tobacco products from making their way into New York and identifying and tracing revenue from their sale. Agencies including the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; District Attorney's Offices and police will combine resources to expand their databases and share information in order to tackle major trafficking organizations. Revenue seized by the task force will be shared among participating agencies and the penalty for possession of unstamped cigarettes is $600 a carton — which contains 10 packs.


http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-04-07-87498.113122-Task-force-will-fight-cigarette-smuggling.html

[HockeyMom]

1. Native Reservations

They are not stamped. I brought up some from Florida (stamped different state) and when I run out, we are going to the Reservation. Personal use. They cannot be stamped because I buy them loose in a plastic bag on the Reservation. Smuggling? The are $12 for a "carton" that way. Sovereign Nation. Better crack down on the other states not taxing as much, and the Natives.

[hrmjustin]

2. To me no, but the goverment might say different.

[HockeyMom]

3. Person Use

Cannot buy goods as a resident of another state, and take them with you when to travel to other states? Brought up new clothes bought in another state too with less taxes on them. That smuggling too? Or is it just cigarettes they don't like.

[hrmjustin]

4. I think if it is for personal use then you should be fine.

Although I remember Bloomberg being a pain about it.