Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has seized 112,700 contraband cigarettes following an investigation into their sale.
On July 24, at approximately 1:15 p.m., members of SIU arrested a 67-year-old Winnipeg man who was in the process of delivering contraband cigarettes. Following searches of his residence and vehicle, 112,700 illegal cigarettes were seized along with $2,483.15 in cash and 94 grams of marijuana.
Graham Thomson is facing charges under The Criminal Code of Canada, The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as well as The Excise Act, The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act, and The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act including possession of non-Manitoba marked tobacco and wilful evasion of paying Manitoba tobacco tax.
Manitoba stood to lose $33,246.50 in tax revenue if these cigarettes had been sold. If convicted, the individual faces fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment. In addition, he will face a mandatory triple tax penalty of $99,739.50.
The province urges anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to contact their local police department or call Manitoba CrimeStoppers (toll-free) at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
