80 cases containing a total of 4000 zip lock bags were seized. Each bag contained 200 cigarettes.
On May 28, 2009, RCMP Winnipeg Customs & Excise Section with the assistance of Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit seized a total of 80 cases of contraband cigarettes in Winnipeg.
The investigation revealed the contraband tobacco was shipped from the Montreal area to Winnipeg by truck to a warehouse on Jarvis Avenue. On May 28th, two men were arrested under the Excise Act as they departed the warehouse with some of the contraband product in two separate trucks that were also seized by police.
A search warrant was subsequently obtained and executed at the warehouse and additional contraband product was seized in the warehouse.
Sixty-year-old Jon Ted Waluk of Winnipeg, and 69-year-old Dennis William Browne of East St. Paul are facing charges of Possess Unstamped Tobacco under the Excise Act (2001) and Possess Non Manitoba Marked Tobacco under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act.
Both individuals were released by the RCMP and are scheduled to appear in Federal Court on August 6, 2009 in Winnipeg.
In this matter, a tax penalty of $440,000 could also be assessed. Manitoba taxes avoided amount to $148,000.
If you have any information on contraband tobacco, you are urged to contact your local police department or Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at (204) 945-1137 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
RCMP Winnipeg Customs and Excise Section
S/Sgt. Ron Obodzinski
(204) 983-2760
