October 10, 2008

MANITOBA INVESTIGATORS SEIZE EQUIVALENT OF 1,000 CARTONS OF CONTRABAND CIGARETTES


Officials from the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit and the RCMP seized the equivalent of 1,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes near the Manitoba-Ontario border last Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation.

Two males, aged 49 and 56, were arrested and later released on a promise to appear in court. The individuals face charges under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and the Excise Act (2001).

The illicit, unmarked cigarettes have an estimated street value of $30,000.

Persons convicted of offences under the provincial legislation are subject to fines of up to $10,000, up to six months in prison or both. In addition, a convicted person is liable to an additional penalty equal to three times the amount of tax avoided. In this case, total fines and penalties could exceed $100,000. As well, the truck used to convey the cigarettes was seized.

Assistance in the operation, which was carried out at the provincial weigh scales near West Hawk Lake, was provided by the RCMP.

The cigarettes had no Canadian health or tax markings.

The Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit encourages anyone to report information on the activities of individuals or groups of people related to illicit tobacco to Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477) or in Winnipeg at 786-TIPS. All tips are kept confidential.

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