60 cases of contraband cigarettes seized in Portage la Prairie.
On March 24, 2010, at about 3am, Portage la Prairie RCMP members stopped a 1988 Ford motor home, traveling eastbound on the Trans Canada Highway in the City of Portage la Prairie, for failing to stop at a red light.
A strong odour of tobacco lead to the arrests of both the driver and passenger under the Federal Excise Act and search of the motor home. The search resulted in the seizure of 60 cases of contraband cigarettes equating to 3000 cartons totaling 600,000 cigarettes. The value of the contraband cigarettes is estimated between $120,000 to $135,000.
The driver, a 47-year-old male, and the passenger, also a 47-year-old male both from Quebec, were released with surety on a promise to appear in Winnipeg Court on May 13, 2010. Charges are pending under the Federal Excise act and the Provincial Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act.
The Manitoba Provincial Tax avoided on 600,000 cigarettes amounts to $123,000. In this matter, on conviction, a mandatory triple tax penalty of $369,000 would be assessed.
Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit is working in conjunction with the RCMP Portage Detachment investigation.
RCMP investigation is continuing with the assistance of the RCMP Customs and Excise Section.
If anyone has any information on contraband tobacco, they are urged to contact police department or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Cst. Miles Hiebert
RCMP Media Relations
Tel: (204)983-8497
