NJ Man Arrested In Md. For Transporting Untaxed Cigarettes

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A New Jersey man was arrested Wednesday, after police found more than 8,000 packs of untaxed cigarettes in his vehicle along I-95.

The Maryland Transportation Authority police officer stopped 42-year-old Ronaldo R. Gracia of Newark on northbound I-95 in Baltimore County. Gracia was driving a 2007 GMC Yukon with his vehicle's rear license plate obscured.

After talking to Gracia, police located the cigarettes valued at $51,000 in his car. He was arrested without incident.

"I am really grateful for the continuing victories our State's transportation law-enforcement professionals are having in this ongoing battle against cigarette smugglers. We have a truly efficient cross-government partnership with these men and women that is giving smugglers fits," Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said.

Gracia was charged with transporting cigarettes within Maryland without the tobacco tax being paid and unlawfully possessing more than 30 cartons of unstamped cigarettes.

The total tax loss for Maryland is $16,040.

MdTA police also charged Gracia with failure to maintain a legible registration plate free from foreign material.

Gracia appeared before a District Court Commissioner where a $75,000 bail was set.