Manitoba Finance reports, on Feb. 21, its Special Investigations Unit seized another 910,200 contraband cigarettes contained in unmarked plastic bags, each holding a carton equivalent of 200 cigarettes.
An investigation led to a search warrant being obtained and executed on a vehicle and at a private residence in the city of Winnipeg, resulting in the seizure of the cigarettes. Also found with the cigarettes were approximately 65 pounds of marijuana, which was turned over to the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) Drug Unit. WPS general patrol uniformed members assisted at the search scenes.
One adult male from Winnipeg was arrested. Investigation into the tobacco and marijuana continues with charges possible under the Tobacco Tax Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The potential Manitoba tobacco taxes avoided are $186,591. If convicted, the man would face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for as long as three months or both. A tax penalty of $559,773 could also be assessed. The matter of possession of the marijuana is being dealt with by WPS.
During the first two weeks of February, two unrelated and separate seizures were made by the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit. On Feb. 1, 240,000 cigarettes were seized from a self-storage unit in the city and on Feb. 10 another 150,000 contraband cigarettes were seized from a vehicle and self-storage unit.
If anyone has information on contraband tobacco, they are urged to contact their local police department, the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
