Annapolis, MD (March 7, 2008) - Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot, in conjunction with an agent from the Richmond office of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), made an arrest yesterday confiscating over 1,600 packs of contraband cigarettes on Interstate 495 in Prince George's County.

"Tax cheats, tobacco smugglers and others who blatantly disregard Maryland tax laws will not be tolerated," said Comptroller Franchot. "My agents will continue to work closely with our partners in law enforcement to enforce Maryland's tobacco laws which protect law-abiding businesses and keep our communities free of this contraband."

In the raid, agents stopped a New Jersey registered 2007 Honda Civic on Interstate 495 at Route 4 in Forestville seizing 1,670 packs of illegal cigarettes valued at more than $8,000. Enforcement officials arrested the vehicle's driver, Marian Kolodziejski, (55) from Kenilworth, NJ.

Kolodziejski faces charges of transporting contraband cigarettes, a felony that carries a $50 per carton fine and/or two years imprisonment; and possession of contraband cigarettes, a misdemeanor carrying a $1000 fine and/or imprisonment not exceeding one year. Following a Prince George's County Court Commission bond hearing, the suspect was remanded to the Prince George's County Detention Center where he must post a $2,500 bond before being released.

So far in fiscal year 2008, agents have charged 34 individuals with tobacco-related violations and seized a total of 30,128 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at $133,558.

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Contact: Caron Brace, (410) 260-7438 (office), (410) 212-9414 (cell)