Keep your eyes peeled: if you see a deal that's too good to be true on certain Drew Estate cigar brands, it could be because they're stolen---but you might be able to help catch the thieves.
Today, the company reported what they describe as a "full load" of cigars were stolen in early August in the Miami area. Specifically, large quantities of Tabak Especial Dulce Robustos and Undercrown Shade Belicosos were among the pilfered items.
While Drew Estate isn't divulging exactly how large the quantity was, it stands to reason that it's enough to put out an alert. Back in April, an entire 40-foot shipping container of Arturo Fuente cigars were stolen. So it stands to reason this could be a similar amount, which could mean quantities in the hundreds of thousands.
Reputable cigar shops and distributors would likely immediately report any unscrupulous or shady entity offering to sell them cigars outside of the normal channels. However, corner stores, newsstands, sandwich shops or other small business owners might not understand how cigar sales typically work, and could unknowingly purchase cigars if offered, especially if they've never been approached by a legitimate sales contact before. Of course, some might know full well they're buying stolen goods and do it anyway.
So the call is out for retailers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
And for consumers: if you all of a sudden notice DE cigars being sold in an unusual place where they ordinary wouldn't be offered (especially at suspiciously cheap prices), the good folks a DE ask that you pick up the phone and report it Glenn Wolfson at (786) 581-1800.
While it's unlikely these made to too far out of the greater Miami area, it's certainly possible. And it's also within the realm of possibility that these might end up in seemingly legit smoke shops too.
While Drew Estate isn't divulging exactly how large the quantity was, it stands to reason that it's enough to put out an alert. Back in April, an entire 40-foot shipping container of Arturo Fuente cigars were stolen. So it stands to reason this could be a similar amount, which could mean quantities in the hundreds of thousands.
Reputable cigar shops and distributors would likely immediately report any unscrupulous or shady entity offering to sell them cigars outside of the normal channels. However, corner stores, newsstands, sandwich shops or other small business owners might not understand how cigar sales typically work, and could unknowingly purchase cigars if offered, especially if they've never been approached by a legitimate sales contact before. Of course, some might know full well they're buying stolen goods and do it anyway.
So the call is out for retailers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
And for consumers: if you all of a sudden notice DE cigars being sold in an unusual place where they ordinary wouldn't be offered (especially at suspiciously cheap prices), the good folks a DE ask that you pick up the phone and report it Glenn Wolfson at (786) 581-1800.
While it's unlikely these made to too far out of the greater Miami area, it's certainly possible. And it's also within the realm of possibility that these might end up in seemingly legit smoke shops too.
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