Cops seize 1,800 cartons of cigs as two busted for illegal sales

TWO QUEENS men were arrested for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes, cheating the city and state out of potential revenue, prosecutors said.

Police seized more than 1,800 cartons of cigarettes and $32,000 from them in a bust this week.

Hongan Lai, 61, and Ming Gao, 33, both of Elmhurst, were charged with violating state tax law. Both men were released without bail.

Cops found more than 1,300 cartons of untaxed cigarettes and more than 3,300 fake Virginia tax stamps earlier this week in a garage where the suspects parked.

An additional 350 cartons and more than $32,000 were found in Lai's car.

Lai faces up to 15 years in prison. Gao could serve up to 7 years.Clare Trapasso