Usually the cigars would have been incinerated, but patriotic sheriff Michael Bouchard has decided to send the cigars to our brave troops serving in the middle east:

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — Normally, 1,500 cigars seized in a drug bust would be incinerated.

The Oakland County sheriff is planning to send them to Michigan troops serving in Iraq.

The county’s Narcotics Enforcement Team seized the stogies, valued at $15,000, during a traffic stop of a convicted drug felon in January.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Thursday the cigars were thought to be illegal Cuban cigars, but they turned out to be high-quality Dominicans.

He said he couldn’t give them away if they were Cuban cigars.

Bouchard said he’s not sending the cigars to encourage smoking, but he hopes the smokes will provide a respite from their stressful routines. He also added many of his own deputies are serving in Iraq.

Bouchard said he could still use help with the cost of shipping the cigars to the troops.

Anyone who can help can call 248-858-1947.

Lend a hand if you can.

h/t Trench