Utica Man Arrested with $180,000 Worth of Untaxed Cigarettes

In-Depth Analysis

On March 13, 2026, New York State Troopers stopped a 2021 Dodge Durango driven by Mohamed H. Alawdi for a traffic violation on the Thruway in the Town of Sullivan. After receiving verbal consent to search the vehicle, troopers found boxes covered by blankets containing approximately 180,000 untaxed cigarettes. The estimated value of the seized cigarettes is between $170,000 and $180,000. Alawdi was arrested and charged with violating New York State tax law, a felony. He is scheduled to appear in Sullivan Town Court on March 24.

This incident is part of a larger effort to combat the illegal sale and distribution of untaxed cigarettes, which deprives the state of substantial tax revenue. New York has some of the highest cigarette taxes in the United States, making it a target for smuggling and tax evasion.

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FAQ

What was Mohamed H. Alawdi charged with?

He was charged with violating New York State tax law, a felony, for possession of untaxed cigarettes.

Where was the traffic stop conducted?

The traffic stop occurred on the Thruway in the Town of Sullivan, New York.

What is the estimated value of the seized cigarettes?

The cigarettes are valued between $170,000 and $180,000.

Takeaways

New York State is actively working to combat tax evasion related to cigarette sales.
Possession of large quantities of untaxed cigarettes can lead to felony charges.
This case highlights the financial implications of tax evasion for both individuals and the state.

Discussion

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Sources

$180,000 Worth of Untaxed Cigarettes Found in Utica Man's Vehicle Troopers seize 180,000 untaxed cigarettes during Thruway stop in Madison County Utica man caught with almost 200,000 cigarettes in Sullivan

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