Who's This Joel Camel?

Pennsylvania man Bing Feng Mai was all set to become the Tony Montana of the East Coast counterfeit cigarette scene. First he would have the fake cigs, then he would have the money, then he would probably have lung cancer. But possibly the women first.

One small hitch: he was busted making a large purchase (20 million faulty cigarettes) from undercover officers in Northern Virginia. Say hello to some jailtime. From the Washington Times:

Contraband cigarettes lack required stamps for state and local taxes. In Virginia, the cigarette tax stamp required for each pack costs 30 cents. Law enforcement officials say traffickers pocket money by evading taxes and affixing phony stamps.

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Authorities also seized nearly 10 million counterfeit cigarettes Mai kept in a storage facility in Springfield, according to court records. Tests showed that the cigarettes were fake versions of Philip Morris' Marlboro brand manufactured China.

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FOR SUBSCRIBERSCornell rape allegation pushes embattled New York prosecutor into national spotlight

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FOR SUBSCRIBERSKratom-like substances are popping up in a typically benign supplement

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FOR SUBSCRIBERSRecords reveal tumultuous marriage between slain New York Times executive and wife

FOR SUBSCRIBERSFrom clean energy warrior to ‘wall of shame,’ James Talarico reverses on a fossil fuel money pledge

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCongressional staff planned official trip with luxury stops in Italy and France weeks before election

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FOR SUBSCRIBERSAt MAHA summit, industry CEOs the movement once vilified take the stage

FOR SUBSCRIBERSThis Paralympian has two goals: Win medals and give away $500,000 to her teammates

The seizure has been called one of the largest ever of counterfeit cigarettes in the area. Officials say they try to crack down on such purchases because they products are unregulated and could contain toxins more pernicious than those already in regular cigarettes.

So rather than luxuriating in his glamourous fake cigarette empire, Mai likely faces up to 10 years in prison. A shame, as cigarettes are good currency in the joint.