Untaxed cigarettes confiscated

Tuesday, August 9th 2005, 1:31 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma Tax Commission officials announce today that agents have confiscated $125,000 worth of unstamped or improperly stamped cigarettes and other tobacco products from non-tribal retailers.

Since March, tax agents have checked about half of the 4,500 licensed non-tribal retailers in the state, primarily in the northeastern part of the state and Oklahoma County.

Tax Commission spokeswoman Paula Ross says violations were found in about 250 retail outlets, such as convenience stores.

She says the sweeps are intended to send a message that retailers will face consequences if they fail to pay all taxes due on tobacco sales.

The tax increase took effect in January and so far collections have run below projections.