### Question
How is the "contraband cigarettes" defined?


### Answer
The term **contraband cigarettes** is defined in *18 U.S.C. § 2341* as follows -

> a quantity in excess of 10,000 cigarettes, which bear no evidence of the payment of applicable State or local cigarette taxes in the State or locality where such cigarettes are found, if the State or local government requires a stamp, impression, or other indication to be placed on packages or other containers of cigarettes to evidence payment of cigarette taxes, and which are in the possession of any person other than—


(A) a person holding a permit issued pursuant to chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as a manufacturer of tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor, or a person operating a customs bonded warehouse pursuant to section 311 or 555 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1311 or 1555) or an agent of such person

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 2341*
  - Heading: **PART I-CRIMES > CHAPTER 114-TRAFFICKING IN CONTRABAND CIGARETTES AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO**

