December 14, 2005

Oak Park - On December 13, during a search warrant at an Oak Park residence, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Tobacco Tax Team with the assistance of the Oak Park Police Department seized over 23,800 counterfeit tobacco tax stamps, $6,000 in cash and over 10 cartons of cigarettes with counterfeit stamps. The seized counterfeit stamps have a street value of approximately $47,000.

The team executed the search warrant after receiving information that subjects at the residence were distributing counterfeit Michigan Tobacco Tax stamps. In addition to the seizure, Clement Habbo, 51, of Oak Park was arrested. Habbo was arraigned today in the 45B District Court in Oak Park on a charge of Unauthorized Tax Stamp Possession. If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and /or a $50,000 fine.

The MSP Tobacco Tax Enforcement Team has statewide responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Michigan Tobacco Tax Act. It is a violation of the act to manufacture, possess or use a stamp or manufacture a stamp. Persons in violation are guilty of a felony and subject to imprisonment up to 10 years and may be fined.

If anyone has information on individuals or retailers selling or possessing counterfeit tax stamps or smuggling tobacco into Michigan to avoid paying the required tax, please contact the Michigan Department of Treasury tip line at 1-800-292-2894. Callers can remain anonymous.

For more information and a digital photo of the counterfeit stamps, contact:

D/F/Lt Jerome Solomon, MSP, (734) 525- 4434