Cash, cigarettes seized in highway traffic stop.

Date published: 5/17/2005

By KEITH EPPS

Federal and local authorities are investigating possible cigarette smuggling after a Spotsylvania sheriff’s deputy made one of the county’s largest-ever cash seizures during a late Sunday traffic stop on Interstate 95.

In addition to the money—nearly $60,000—authorities seized 28 cartons of cigarettes, Sheriff Howard Smith said.

The vehicle’s three occupants were placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond even though they are charged only with misdemeanors.

However, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting in an investigation into whether the suspects are part of a cigarette-smuggling ring, Smith said.

Smith said persons can buy cigarettes in Virginia and sell them illegally in New York for nearly three times the price.

According to Smith, Deputy Jason Clark was on the interstate between Thornburg and Massaponax about 10:40 p.m., when he noticed a 1995 Lincoln Town Car going 82 mph and weaving in and out of traffic.

Clark stopped the car and got permission from the driver to search it, Smith said. The driver was the only one in the car who could speak English, Smith said.

Clark found the cigarettes in the trunk, along with $40,000 in cash inside a brown bag, the sheriff said. He said $16,500 was found in another section of the trunk.

Police also found $2,525 on one of the passengers.

The money, cigarettes and car were seized. Chen Chao, 35, of South Carolina, Wu Chiang, 55, of no fixed address and Chen Naijian, 39, of Brooklyn were each charged with failing to pay the cigarette tax, a Class 2 misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail sentence of six months.

Smith said Chao told police they were on their way from South Carolina to New York. Friends had given them the money to give to family members of the friends, according to the story.

Smith said Chao claimed to not know the names of the friends who gave them the money nor the names of the people who were to receive it. He had only a phone number he was supposed to call when they got there, Smith said.

The investigation continues.

To reach KEITH EPPS: 540/374-5404 kepps@freelancestar.com

Read more stories about Spotsylvania
Date published: 5/17/2005