Contraband tobacco products siezed by RCMP in Brandon.
In early 2009, RCMP Boissevain Customs & Excise Section along with the Manitoba Finance Special Investigation Unit in Brandon, began an investigation into allegations that unstamped cigarettes were being sold in and around the Brandon area.
On January 12, 2010, the investigation lead to the execution of a search warrant at a residence on 7th Street in the City of Brandon. A 59-year-old man from Brandon was arrested and released with charges pending under the Excise Act (2001), Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
RCMP Customs & Excise Members seized a total of 36 cartons of cigarettes, 133 cigars, 15 grams of marijuana and $3,980 in Canadian currency.
The total combined value of the contraband tobacco products and the currency seized is estimated at $8000.00.
The 59-year-old Brandon man will be appearing in Brandon Court on February 11, 2010.
Anyone with any information on contraband tobacco products is asked to contact the RCMP Winnipeg Customs and Excise Section at (204) 983-5423 or via e-mail at smuggling_manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477.
Cst. R. Neil Dilworth,
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Boissevain Customs and Excise Section
Phone: (204) 534-2426
