Alberta authorities announce major seizure of contraband tobacco
In the Alberta government’s ongoing efforts to curb contraband tobacco entering the province, investigations led by Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis’s (AGLC) Tobacco Enforcement Unit (TEU) with the support of Edmonton Police Service announced the seizure of nearly 67,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes and cigars with an approximate retail value of $12.3 million.
In addition, more than 150,000 grams of contraband shisha tobacco were seized. According the authorities and government, the total provincial tax avoidance of these contraband products is more than $4 million.
A two-week investigation led to a search warrant for an individual connected to a commercial warehouse and detached garage in Edmonton. 19,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes and cigars along with 50,000 grams of contraband shisha were seized. This came to $3.5 million in approximate retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $1.1 million.
A three-week investigation identified an individual using commercial storage lockers, a warehouse and a vehicle in Edmonton to traffic contraband tobacco products. 47,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes and 100,000 grams of contraband shisha were seized. The contraband tobacco seized has an approximate retail value of $8.8 million with a provincial tax avoidance of $2.9 million.
Criminal charges are pending for both cases, according to authorities.
“Keeping illegal tobacco off the streets helps make our communities safter and supports local businesses that work hard to ensure they are following the law and selling legal products. AGLC is proud of our mandate to combat the rise of contraband tobacco in our province,” said Kandice Machado, chief executive officer, AGLC.
“Our government recognizes and appreciates the important work AGLC is doing to keep contraband tobacco off our streets. Ensuring that only legal tobacco products are sold in our communities not only protects consumers, but also supports hard-working local businesses who play by the rules,” added Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
“7-Eleven Canada applauds the Government of Alberta, and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis for their success in combatting organized crime and the illicit sale and cross-border trade of contraband tobacco. Their leadership is helping keep Alberta communities safe and supporting responsible business operators and their employees,” said Marc Goodman, vice-president and general manager, 7-Eleven Canada.
In the last year, the TEU led more than 255 investigations, resulting in the seizure of over 237,000 cartons equaling an estimated retail value of over $40 million in contraband tobacco taken off the streets.
