R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-20-37: Seizure and destruction of unstamped cigarettes.

Any cigarettes found at any place in this state without stamps affixed as required by this chapter are declared to be contraband goods and may be seized by the tax administrator, his or her agents, or employees, or by any deputy sheriff, or police officer when directed by the tax administrator to do so, without a warrant. Any cigarettes seized under the provisions of this chapter shall be destroyed. The seizure and/or destruction of any cigarettes under the provisions of this section does not relieve any person from a fine or other penalty for violation of this chapter.