By Sarah Klein
RCMP made a significant seizure of contraband cigarettes on the Trans-Canada Highway near Portage la Prairie on Friday.
A member of the Portage la Prairie RCMP made the discovery after pulling over a vehicle from Quebec on February 5 at around 1 p.m. The vehicle was travelling west near Road 31 at the time and had tinted windows and no front plate. Originally being stopped for the equipment violation, police observed the driver of the 1997 GMC 2500 truck was in possession of a pack of contraband cigarettes.
A further search led to the seizure of 470,000 contraband cigarettes in 47 cases and 50 cartons. The value of the seizure is estimated at $188,000. A small amount of marijuana and $1,000 in cash was also located.
A 50-year-old man from Quebec has been charged and will appear in Winnipeg Court on March 25.
The amount of tax avoided on the seizure is $86,950. If convicted, the man faces a Triple Tax Penalty of $260,850.
RCMP handout photo
