Providence Police seize more than $20,000 in U.S. currency and contraband tobacco

December 4, 2015 3:28 pm

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

Providence, RI – Providence Police investigation resulted in an arrest and the confinement of more than $20,000 in U.S. currency and contraband tobacco.

The investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Unit, and the License Enforcement Unit revealed that Esteban Perez (age 58) made deliveries of tobacco products and was also seen storing suspected contraband at the U-Haul moving and storage facility in Providence.

Perez does not hold a license by the State of Rhode Island to sell or distribute tobacco products. In addition, The Rhode Island Division of Taxation also confirmed Perez has never submitted any OTP (Other Tobacco Products) filings, returns, or remittances.

Perez has criminal record, as well as multiple arrests and convictions for possession of untaxed tobacco products. A search warrant was executed for his U-Haul locker, and in his home on Sumter Street.

Numerous tobacco products, including untaxed counterfeit stamped cigarettes, suspected synthetic marijuana, and counterfeit tax stamps were seized by police in addition to approximately $20,088.00 in U.S. currency were seized from both locations.

Perez is being charged with penalty for operating without a dealer license, sale of unstamped cigarettes, penalties for violations as to unstamped cigarettes, amongst other tax related charges.