FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 10, 2018
MDTA POLICE SEIZE MORE THAN
84,000 UNTAXED CIGARS ON I-95
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police have arrested a Virgina man who had more than 84,000 untaxed cigars and $15,500.
On Tuesday, Oct. 9, MDTA Police were called to the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a 2017 Chevrolet Express work van and a Toyota Sienna. The operator of the Chevrolet Express van was identified as Moeez Khaliq, 20, of Glen Allen, VA. During a subsequent probable cause search of his vehicle, officers located the untaxed tobacco products and $15,500 in the rear of the vehicle and an additional $863 on Mr. Khaliq’s person. Officers took Khaliq into custody without incident.
The MDTA Police contacted the Comptroller of Maryland Field Enforcement Division regarding the seizure. An agent charged Khaliq with transporting cigars within Maryland without the tobacco tax being paid and unlawfully possessing 84,048 in unstamped tobacco products. The total tax loss for the state of Maryland is $58,833.60.
“The MDTA Police remains committed to partnering with allied law-enforcement agencies to help detect and deter criminal activity in the State of Maryland,” said MDTA Police Chief Col. Jerry Jones
After processing, Khaliq was transported by the Comptroller of Maryland Field Enforcement Division to Baltimore City’s Central Booking and Intake facility. He posted $5,000 bail and was released pending his trial.