OUR HISTORY

My name is Mike Poe and I am the founder and owner of The Traficante Cigar Company based in Birmingham, Alabama (Aka Tragic City). Unlike most brand owners, I became involved in the cigar industry by necessity…not by choice. As a 25 year Law Enforcement Veteran, I worked many assignments over the years but specialized in Narcotics / Swat.

The Traficante Cigar Company was founded in 2015 as a “cover” for long term Narcotics Investigations. While it was very successful during my last few years in Narcotics, I did not expect the continued success of the business after my law enforcement career came to an end. While I am extremely grateful for our continued success, I’ve always referred to it as “Accidental”.

In 2015 I fell in love with the cigar culture but was unable to take the brand to the next level while it was still being “used” as a cover story on the job. During this period from 2015-2017 we had virtually no online presence due to my need to maintain a low profile. In 2017 I retired as the years on the job had taken a toll on my body as well as my mental health. Making that move has helped make TCC what it is today and I look forward to our continued growth and distributing our brand worldwide. 

Where did it all begin? Ware Island on Lake Mitchell (Chilton County Alabama). For almost two decades Ware Island (also known as “Airport Island“ to locals) was used by drug traffickers bringing loads in from Mexico and South Florida. The traffickers who also owned houses on the island, would fly in and begin breaking down their loads for distribution. Loads would then be transported by boat to Riverside Drive directly across from the island in Coosa County. By 2004 the majority of the island had been purchased by “Doc” (a doctor, avid pilot and family friend) that wanted to rid the island of the last trafficker on the north end of the island. ”Doc” made a dream come true for my family and I by providing a home on the island. Within a couple of years, the last trafficker was sent to Federal Prison for trafficking Heroin and the island was once again a sanctuary for us all. It was during my 14 years on the island (the latter of which TCC came to fruition) that I decided I wanted to create something that I could use as a transition from law enforcement to living a “normal life”. Yes, TCC served it’s purpose as a backstory for a narcotics operation…but for me, it was always much more than that. 

As many of you might know, every blend we offer has personal meaning to me. The blend names and artwork (created in-house) are representative of my life. From the music I’ve listened to through the years to experiences I lived through during my time on the job. Everyone has a story, and I share mine through the Traficante brand. We remain committed to giving our supporters blends that are unique and unrivaled in the industry, and our commitment to quality will continue.

Thank you for your support and for taking the time to learn more about our brand. 

~ El Jefe (Mike)

We started in Birmingham and this is where our primary distribution office will always remain. Our factories are located in Mazatlan (Mexico) and Santiago (Dominican Republic). Our home lounge is located at 5337 Bessemer Super Hwy 

Midfield, Alabama (Klassic Smokes Cigar Lounge). There you will find many of our blends as well as our hand painted boxes on display. If you are ever in the Birmingham area and would like to meet up, I personally welcome you to reach out and meet us there: Mike@traficantecigar.com