Contraband cigarettes

Whenever a retailer obtains original packages of cigarettes from an unlicensed in-state or out-of-state distributor or person, a prima facie presumption shall arise that such original packages of cigarettes are contraband and are possessed by such retailer or were possessed by such retailer in violation of the provisions of this Act and subject to the penalties imposed by Sections 18b and 18c of this Act. Invoices or other documents kept in the normal course of business in the possession of a retailer reflecting purchases of original packages of cigarettes from an unlicensed in-state or out-of-state distributor or person or invoices or other documents kept in the normal course of business obtained by the Department from an in-state or out-of-state distributor or person, are sufficient to raise the presumption that such original packages of cigarettes are contraband and are possessed, or were possessed, by such retailer in violation of the provisions of this Act and the retailer is subject to the penalties imposed by Sections 18b and 18c. If a presumption is raised, the Department may, in addition to the penalties imposed by Sections 18b and 18c and any other civil or criminal penalties provided for in this Act, assess tax, penalty, and interest on the original packages of cigarettes. (Source: P.A. 100-940, eff. 8-17-18.)