An alleged bootlegger with not much to stand on

Pops
Not the Pope.

Richard "Pops" Picardi, Sr., 76, was arraigned in Chelsea District Court yesterday on charges he sold OxyContin and bootleg cigarettes out of a Chelsea taxi garage, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office says. In a statement, the office adds Picardi uses a prosthetic leg.

Prosecutors charge Picardi sold OxyContin tablets to undercover police officers in exchange for both cash and cigarettes. Picardi then allegedly resold the cigarettes without affixing Massachusetts tax stamps.

Also seized: A number of packages of razors and five bottles of allegedly purloined Drakkar Noir and Thyme Ginger Mint cologne.

DA Dan Conley said Picardi is "old enough to know better." Picardi pleaded innocent yesterday. He is due back in court on June 4.

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Cigarette bootlegging no surprise

By Gary McGath | Tue, 04/15/2008 - 12:27pm

With cigarette taxes at astronomical levels, it should be no surprise to anyone that there's an illegal free market in cigarettes.

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