WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Officials say agents posing as illegal dealers of untaxed cigarettes have brought down 21 middlemen who cheated New York City and state of at least $21 million.

Deputy state tax commissioner William Comiskey says he thinks it’s the largest takedown of cigarette smugglers by any state.

Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore says officials learned from an informer that the defendants were looking for a supply of untaxed cigarettes.

Cigarettes were purchased with the cooperation of manufacturers and a warehouse was opened in Yonkers. Comiskey said Friday it was taking in $800,000 a week.

Most of those arrested are from New York City. They face various tax and forgery charges.

City and state taxes total $4.25 per pack of cigarettes.

AP-ES-09-18-09 1352EDT 