Troopers Confiscate 180,000 Untaxed Cigarettes in Madison County Thruway Stop
State police stopped a vehicle on the New York State Thruway in Madison County late Friday night. The stop occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on March 13, 2026.
The troopers pulled over a 2021 Dodge Durango for a vehicle and traffic law violation. Officers noticed multiple boxes covered with blankets in the rear seat and cargo area.
The driver, identified as 30-year-old Mohamed H. Alawdi of Utica, consented to a search. After removing the coverings, troopers found about 180,000 untaxed cigarettes.
Officials estimated the contraband’s street value between $170,000 and $180,000. Troopers confiscated roughly 180,000 untaxed cigarettes during a Thruway stop in Madison County.
Alawdi was arrested and charged with violating New York State Tax Law 1814(c)(2). The offense is a felony under state law, and he is due in Sullivan Town Court on March 24.
Seizure details and source
Krista Montie, a New York State Police spokesperson, provided the information in a news release. The news release arrived Tuesday and formed the basis of this report for Filmogaz.com.
Legal process and next steps
Under the charge, authorities may pursue penalties tied to tax evasion and related counts. Court records will show future developments after the March 24 arraignment.
- Date of stop: March 13, 2026.
- Time: shortly after 10 p.m.
- Location: New York State Thruway, town of Sullivan, Madison County.
- Vehicle: 2021 Dodge Durango.
- Driver: Mohamed H. Alawdi, 30, of Utica.
- Seized goods: about 180,000 untaxed cigarettes.
- Estimated value: $170,000 to $180,000.
- Charge: New York State Tax Law 1814(c)(2), felony.
- Court date: scheduled for March 24 in Sullivan Town Court.
