On July 22, 2010, the Manitoba Taxation Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP Headingley Detachment and Traffic Services, seized 1.2 million illegal cigarettes.
The Winnipeg Police Service Vehicle Inspection Unit checked a three-ton U-Haul truck passing through a vehicle-inspection checkpoint in the area of the Headingley Detachment. During the inspection, 120 cases of contraband cigarettes were discovered in the truck.
An investigation was subsequently commenced by Manitoba Finance and Headingley RCMP and 6,000 plastic bags, each containing 200 cigarettes, were seized by Manitoba Finance. None of the cigarettes or packages bore proper tax stamps for Manitoba or Canada.
Two adult males from Quebec face charges under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and the Excise Act (2001). Manitoba tobacco taxes avoided equal $246,000. If convicted the men face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to three months or both. A tax penalty of $738,000 could also be assessed. Additional penalties apply under the Excise Act (2001).
Anyone with information on contraband tobacco is urged to contact the appropriate local police department, the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at (204) 945-1137 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
