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A Trumbull man is facing multiple charges after Department of Revenue Service agents allegedly seized $53,000 cash, 500 cartons of cigarettes, more than 50,000 fraudulent tax stamps and postage stamps from his home.
According to DRS Commissioner Kevin Sullivan, the arrest came after a three-month investigation.
“This arrest sends a strong message to the sellers of untaxed tobacco products,” Sullivan said.
Kalel Easa, 39, was arrested after DRS agents served a search warrant after witnessing him leaving his residence and transferring tobacco products into his vehicle, Sullivan said. Special agents seized $53,000 in cash from Easa and recovered 500 cartons of various cigarette brands worth approximately $50,000.
“The trafficking of cigarettes originating from low-tax states down south to the Northeast is not only an ongoing problem and illegal, it robs Connecticut of needed tax revenue and puts the stores who are doing the right thing at an unfair disadvantage,” Sullivan said.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
Easa is charged with possession or sale of untaxed cigarettes and tobacco products, and possession of fraudulent tax stamps.
Bond was $20,000 for court November 22.