Cartons of Marlboros and Newports went missing during a distraction theft in Warren County, according to police.
Times are tough for cigarette smokers on a budget, what with taxes and lung disease.
But investigators looking into the theft of 51 cartons of smokes in Warren County don't think it was the nicotine the thieves were after, but rather the money to be made on the black market.
New Jersey State Police asked Friday for the public's help in finding two men suspected of stealing the cartons of Marlboro and Newport cigarettes about 3:40 a.m. Wednesday from QuickChek in White Township.
The male seen on surveillance wearing blue distracted a store employee while his accomplice, in red, snatched the smokes, according to state police. They fled in a dark blue Chevrolet sedan, either a Malibu or Impala, police said.
"Where there's smoke, there's fire," state police wrote on social media. "These guys must really love cigarettes, or they love selling them to make a quick buck. We suspect the latter."
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How much are cigarettes in New Jersey? The state Division of Taxation put the minimum retail price, as of Aug. 2, of a carton of Marlboros at $79.85. There is virtually no discount to be enjoyed versus the retail price per pack of $7.99
A carton of Newports was going for $84.51, or $8.46 per pack, for menthol or non-menthol.
Investigators ask anyone with information to cal New Jersey State Police at Washington and ask for Trooper II Rob Sanchis, at 908-689-3101. Callers may remain anonymous.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.