Smokers from Arkansas could be found north of the state border Monday for good reason.

"Cigarettes have went up to 40 dollars a carton.  You can get them up here for 20 something.  It's a big difference," said John Page.

The difference is a 56-cent-per-pack tax increase that Arkansas implemented on Sunday to help fund a statewide trauma network.

Tobacco stores are already noticing the difference.

"It's kind of slow today," said Judy Biggs of Tobacco World in Harrison.

It's just one of those businesses getting the butt end of the deal.

"It's like starting a brand new job, or having a brand new person come in here because you don't know the price of anything," said Biggs.

But what smokers do know is that the price went up considerably.

"We shouldn't be taxed for it or penalized for it.  There's a lot of people that smoke.  I enjoy it.  I don't think it's right," said Tom Jones.

Others don't think the tax will make that much of a difference.

"They go up all the time.  I'm addicted to them.  So, I just pay it and keep going," said Marsha Cooper.

Not every city in Arkansas will actually be affected by the new cigarette tax.  In fact, in Omaha we found a special situation.  Because the town sits on the Arkansas/Missouri  border things work a little bit differently.

"Ours won't go up because we're border zone tax.  So, as of right now, until Missouri goes up, ours won't go up," said Lori Costello at the Home Town Market.

That's probably good new for those that live in or near Omaha, but for those who live deeper in Arkansas, they could be driving a little further in the future.

"Do you think you're going to be making a lot more trips across the line now," we asked.  "Oh yeah.  Oh yeah," replied Page.

This isn't the only tax Arkansas smokers have to deal with either.

Come April the federal government will be implementing a 62-cent-per pack tax on cigarettes.

That would cost Arkansans an additional $1.15 per pack.

**Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com