Border patrol

Smugglers from distant states have long been a nuisance for law enforcers on the Lower Shore monitoring the trafficking of cheap cigarettes from tobacco-producing states of Virginia and North and South Carolina. Now, the law is keeping a watchful eye for Maryland smokers joining their ranks, stocking up in Virginia where the price of a popular top brand, say, Camel, averages $3.09 per pack, some $2 cheaper than in their home state.

By law, Maryland residents can transport up to two packs of out-of-state stamped cigarettes into the state. Out-of-state residents can transport up to one carton into Maryland.

"More is definitely a criminal charge," said Sgt. Edward Schreier at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. "The officer has the discretion to charge a person for violating the law."

And, according to the Comptroller's office, trafficking tends to be more prevalent through borders on the Eastern Shore than those touching northern Virginia outside Washington. "We've found over the years, the Lower Shore is a highly targeted area," said Jeff Kelly, deputy director of the Field Enforcement Division for the state Comptroller.

Shirley White of Sanford, Va., doesn't smoke, but picked up two packs of Newport cigarettes for a neighbor while running errands last week. Sometimes she shops in Maryland -- but not for cigarettes.

"My friend knows I'm coming this way, and I buy her Newport," White said recently outside the Peace Token convenience store near Oak Hall, Va.

She'd be foolish to pass up these prices:

A pack of Newport: $2.81

Tax per pack: 14 cents

Grand total for two packs: $5.90

Average per pack price in Maryland: $5.30

"I just come from Pocomoke so I picked them up for her," White said. "I see people in here from New York, New Jersey, Maryland."