07/25/2008

Associated Press

Two Quinault Indian Nation tribal elders face possible charges after the state seized about $200,000 of contraband cigarettes.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board Tobacco Tax Unit, the Quinault Indian Nation tribal police and the City of Puyallup Police Department were involved in Friday's raid on the Indian County Store in Puyallup.

The raid comes after an investigation found the store has been selling unstamped cigarettes and selling cigarettes without a license. Store owners Edward Comenout and Edward Comenout Jr. face charges of selling cigarettes without a license, and selling and possessing cigarettes without a tax stamp. Cigarettes must have a tax stamp on each pack to show that a retailer has paid the required taxes.