With the new state cigarette tax in effect in Arkansas -- some people are finding cheaper smokes in Missouri. But before you head to the Show-Me-State, make sure you’re aware of an Arkansas law.

In Arkansas, the excise rate is 59 cents. In Missouri -- its mere change at 17 cents. But buying more than 11 packs of cigarettes in Missouri -- and bringing them back into Arkansas -- is a misdemeanor.

And if you bring more than nine cartons across the border -- it's a felony.

Some smokers believe with the economy in the shape it’s in -- the law doesn't make much sense.

"A lot of people are hurting badly, and if they could save a buck by coming up here and buying their cigarettes, there is nothing wrong with that,” says smoker Leroy Meyer.

But tobacco control officers say they're not out to get people just looking to stock up on smokes.

"Even though we've had a few reports of individuals doing that, it hasn't been our focus at this point in time,” says Greg Sled, deputy director of Arkansas Tobacco Control. "Right now, all our efforts have been towards retailers that are smuggling tobacco back in for resale."

Arkansas state police -- and the Tobacco Control Department -- say they've made no individual arrests related to this law in 2009.

But three retail stores in our state have been hit with the felony charge.

Just a few weeks ago -- a state legislator tried to pass a bill which would make bringing in more than 2 out of state cartons a felony -- but that bill failed.