Agents Raid Tobaccos Supplier, Remove Computers

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) _ A tobacco supplier whose license to sell cigarettes in Oklahoma was once revoked has had its offices raided in Kansas. <br/><br/>Federal and state agents raided the buildings of Sunflower

Wednesday, May 9th 2007, 2:36 pm

By: News On 6

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) _ A tobacco supplier whose license to sell cigarettes in Oklahoma was once revoked has had its offices raided in Kansas.

Federal and state agents raided the buildings of Sunflower Supply Company in Galena, Kansas, as part of raids in Galena and Joplin, Missouri. Also raided were Rebel Industries in Galena and of Discount Tobacco Warehouse in Joplin.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission revoked Sunflower Supply's wholesaler license in Oklahoma in October 2005 saying it defrauded the state by shipping cigarettes with improper tax stamps.

The company later won a restraining order to continue doing business in Oklahoma and reached a confidential settlement with the Tax Commission in July of last year.

Federal agents say the search warrants are sealed and they can't discuss the nature of the investigation.

Sunflower Supply owner Gary Hall of Joplin says no charges have been filed and as far as he knows the company has done nothing wrong.