The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that untaxed cigarettes were seized at two retail stores in Troy, NY. Other violations found simultaneously at the local level by local officials resulted in both stores being closed on November 26.

The closed stores are:

• Stop and Shop, located at 67 Middleburgh Street; and
• Harry’s Grocery Corporation, located at 1 Northern Drive.

During routine inspections, Tax Department investigators found a total of nearly five cartons of untaxed cigarettes and other contraband in both retail stores. Stop and Shop and Harry’s Grocery had their licenses to sell cigarettes and tobacco products suspended by the Tax Department. City of Troy Code Enforcement took additional action against these retailers for local ordinance violations and closed them down.

The owner of Harry’s Grocery, Haroon Javed, 29, was charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes for sale and is expected to appear in Troy City Court on December 18.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Report fraud

You can report tax evasion and fraud online at the Tax Department's website or by phone at 518-457-0578. The information is kept confidential. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.