Possession of Unstamped Cigarettes Gets New York Man Arrested

On March 27, 2013, at approximately 0815 hours, Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy was on patrol in the area of Route 113 Northbound at Kepler Lane, Bishopville, Worcester County, Maryland, when they observed a silver in color mini-van,  traveling at what they believed to be over the posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour.  The Deputy was able to obtain a speed reading of 65 miles per hour on the aforementioned mini-van.  A traffic stop was affected on said mini-van and contact was made with the driver, identified as Chak Wah Kong, 44 years of age, of New York. 

Upon making contact with Kong, the Deputy observed that Kong became very nervous, his hands were shaking and he began to sweat.  The Deputy was able to see numerous large black garbage bags in the rear portion of the mini-van and upon questioning Kong he stated that he was coming from Virginia and that there was fruit in the black bags.  Upon returning to their vehicle the Deputy was able to look in the rear driver`s side window and was able to observe, in the seat area, a white bag that had the ends of Marlboro cigarette cartons sticking out from it, approximately 5 or 6 cartons. 
  
    Upon returning to the vehicle the Deputy asked Kong about the cigarettes in the white bag and Kong stated that he did smoke.  Based upon the observations made the Deputy completed a probable cause search of the vehicle.  Upon inspection of the mini-van an amount of cigarettes, determined to be 190 cartons, was located.  Kong was placed under arrest for possession of unstamped cigarettes.     Kong was transported to the Worcester County Sheriff`s Office where the Comptroller`s Office for the State of Maryland arrived shortly thereafter and seized the cigarettes as well as the mini-van belonging to Kong.  Kong was processed and taken before the District Court Commissioner where he was released on personal recognizance.