On March 31, 2026, members of the New York State Police Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU), and the United States Border Patrol Smuggling\/Targeting Unit (TU) conducted a targeted enforcement detail in Jefferson and Oswego Counties focused on proactive patrols, traffic enforcement, and intelligence-led policing to deter criminal activity.<\/p>\n
At approximately 4:40 p.m., State Police observed a gray 2024 Ford F-350 towing an enclosed trailer traveling southbound on Interstate 81 near the Central Square exit. The vehicle failed to comply with New York State\u2019s Move Over Law, and a traffic stop was initiated.<\/p>\n
The operator was identified as Fabian M. Hart, age 67, of Bombay, New York.<\/p>\n
During the investigation, a United States Border Patrol K9 conducted an exterior scan of the vehicle and trailer and alerted to the presence of contraband. A subsequent search revealed approximately 874,000 untaxed cigarettes contained in multiple cardboard boxes.<\/p>\n
Hart was charged with:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0New York State Tax Law \u00a7 1814 C2 (Class D Felony)\u00a0
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0New York State Tax Law \u00a7 1814 A1 (Class E Felony)\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was processed and transported to the Oswego County Correctional Facility, where he was being held pending arraignment.<\/p>\n
The seized cigarettes are estimated to have a street value of $350,000, with an associated tax evasion value of $500,000.<\/p>\n
The investigation remains ongoing.
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