Contraband and seizure

7 V.S.A. § 1009

in effect

1009. Contraband and seizure (a) Any cigarettes or other tobacco products or tobacco substitutes that have been sold, offered for sale, or possessed for sale in violation of section 1003, 1010, or 1013 of this title; 20 V.S.A. § 2757; 32 V.S.A. § 7786; or 33 V.S.A. § 1919, and any commercial cigarette rolling machines possessed or utilized in violation of section 1011 of this title, shall be deemed contraband and shall be subject to seizure by the Commissioner, the Commissioner’s agents or employees, the Commissioner of Taxes, or any agent or employee of the Commissioner of Taxes, or by any law enforcement officer of this State when directed to do so by either Commissioner or by the Department of Liquor and Lottery. All items seized under this subsection shall be destroyed at the expense of the violator, and disposition shall be in compliance with the Agency of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Management Regulations (CVR 12-032-001). (b)(1) Any person in possession of property considered contraband under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 nor less than $500.00 per item. (2) Any vehicle, aircraft or watercraft, or other conveyance in which property considered contraband under this section is found may be seized and subject to forfeiture and condemnation pursuant to sections 570 and 572–574 of this title. Added 2003, No. 14, § 6; amended 2005, No. 68, § 2; 2011, No. 166 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2017, No. 83, § 139; 2019, No. 73, § 17; 2025, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2026.

Source: Vermont General Assembly (legislature.vermont.gov)URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/07/040/01009Fetched: 10/21/2026