Hamden Man Charged with Possession of Contraband Cigarettes

A Hamden man has been charged with possession of contraband cigarettes as a result of surveillance operations by the new Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) Tobacco Enforcement Unit.

Commissioner of Revenue Services Kevin B. Sullivan announced the arrests of two men on Tuesday that were made by the unit, which was created at the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) to combat the illegal trafficking of tobacco and cigarettes.

Members of the MSA Unit arrested Mohammad Khan, 34, of Hamden, and Nestor Collazo, 63, of Bridgeport on Sept. 1.

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Kahn was charged with one count of Possession of Untaxed Cigarettes, an infraction. Collazo was charged with two counts of Possession of Fraudulent Tax Stamps, a class D felony, and one count of Possession/Sale of Untaxed Cigarettes, a misdemeanor.

“Possession of contraband cigarettes and fraudulent tax stamps is a criminal enterprise that DRS and the State of Connecticut take very seriously,” Sullivan said in a press release. “We are putting criminals on notice: We are watching and this activity won’t be tolerated here.”

Read more from the press release below:

Agents with the MSA Unit were conducting surveillance in Bridgeport when they witnessed Khan and Collazo allegedly engage in an illegal cigarette transaction. As part of the arrests, agents seized 85 cartons of untaxed cigarettes stamped with counterfeit Connecticut tax stamps. Agents also seized a 2004 Volvo SUV and more than $3,700 in cash.

“Arrests and investigations by the MSA Unit are not merely about the state not getting the tax dollars rightfully owed,” Sullivan said. “Across the country, law enforcement has learned that money from illegal cigarette sales is used to fund a number of criminal activities, including terrorism. If you buy contraband cigarettes, your money may be also funding other illegal and dangerous activities.”

Collazo was released on a $5,000 bond is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on September 15. If convicted on Possession of Fraudulent Tax Stamps, Collazo faces a potential fine of up to $5,000, up to five years in prison, or both. If convicted of Possession/Sale of Untaxed Cigarettes, he faces a potential fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in prison, or both.

Kahn appeared in Superior Court in Bridgeport on September 11 and faces a potential fine of up to $90

Although most taxpayers comply with state tax laws, the creation of the MSA Unit is helping DRS vigorously enforce Connecticut’s tobacco and cigarette laws.

DRS has a 24-hour tip line for anyone who may have information regarding the illegal trafficking of tobacco or cigarettes. The MSA tip line is (860) 297-4887. Tips can also be submitted by email at tobaccotips@po.state.ct.us

For information about state tax issues, visit the DRS website at www.ct.gov/DRS or call

1-800-382-9463 in state, or (860) 297-5962 from anywhere. Media calls should be directed to the communications office at (860) 297-5610 or emailed to sarah.kaufman@po.state.ct.us.