Two arrested in Kent for cigarette smuggling

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Agents for the Comptroller's Field Enforcement Division and deputies from the Kent County Sheriff's Office reportedly seized 7,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested two alleged smugglers Sept. 21. According to a news release from the comptroller's office, Robert Wierzbinski, 36, and Angelica Wierzbinski, 37, both of Flushing, N.Y., were charged with one count each of transporting unstamped cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes.

The comptroller's office said the Wierzbinkis were arrested during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 301 in Kent County. The pair reportedly possessed $42,000 worth of contraband cigarettes. According to court documents on the Maryland Judiciary website, Robert and Angelica Wierzbinski were both released Sept. 22 after each posted $35,000 bail. “I'd like to thank Corporal Harry Kettner and Sheriff John F. Price of the Kent County Sheriff's Office for helping my agents continue the fight against cigarette smuggling in Maryland,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot in a statement.

“As soon as Corporal Kettner realized this wasn't a routine traffic stop, his office contacted my agency's Field Enforcement Division and agents were immediately dispatched to assist with the investigation.” The current laws make transportation of unstamped cigarettes in the state a felony carrying a maximum $50 per carton fine and up to two years imprisonment. Possession of contraband cigarettes is classified as a misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $1,000 and no more than one year in jail.

“Every smuggler caught is one more opportunity to crack down on illegal activity and I applaud the agencies involved for helping to aggressively uphold and enforce Maryland's tax laws,” Franchot said. The comptroller is supporter of harsher penalties and stiffer fines for charges of transporting unstamped cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes. “The current penalties for cigarette smuggling aren't strong enough to deter people from continually trying to transport cigarettes illegally. Many times, my agency has found those who are arrested are repeat offenders, and that is unforgivable” Franchot said.