1176 cartons of contraband cigarettes seized in traffic stop.
On March 13, 2010 at about 12pm, Portage la Prairie RCMP seized 1176 cartons of contraband cigarettes in a traffic stop near Highway 242 West in Portage la Prairie.
A Portage la Prairie RCMP member was patrolling the Trans Canada Highway near Highway 242 west in Portage la Prairie when a 2009 Dodge Caravan from Quebec was observed traveling Westbound. RCMP noted the vehicle had dark tinted windows and was stopped for the equipment violation. Police were then able to observe the driver in possession of contraband cigarettes.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested under the Federal Excise Act and the vehicle was searched resulting in the seizure of 1176 cartons of contraband cigarettes, totaling 235,200 cigarettes. The value of the contraband cigarettes is estimated at a street value of $47,000.00 to $53,000.00.
The driver, a 19-year-old male from Quebec was released with suety with a Promise to appear for April 26, 2010 at Provincial court in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Charges are pending under the Federal Excise act and the Provincial Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act.
The Manitoba Provincial Tax avoided on 235,200 cigarettes amounts to $43,512.00. In this matter, on conviction, a mandatory Triple Tax Penalty of $130,536.00 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 you have any information on contraband tobacco, you are urged to contact your local police department or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Cst. Shawn Smith
Portage la Prairie RCMP
Tel:(204)239-8908
Fax: (204)239-0130
