MADISON – Wisconsin revenue agents last week seized 70,000
packs of cigarettes that they said arrived in the state without tax stamps, the
Associated Press reports.
The seizure represents more than $175,000 in lost revenue
for the state, factoring in the $2.52-per-pack state cigarette tax.
Revenue officials said the cigarettes originated from a
company on the Winnebago reservation in northeastern Nebraska that’s owned by
Ho-Chunk Inc.
Deputy Revenue Secretary Jack Jablonsi said the cigarettes
were heading for cigarette retailers located on Wisconsin reservations or trust
lands for the St. Croix Chippewa, Ho-Chunk Nation and Bad River Band.
Charges have not yet been filed.