RCMP seized 980,000 contraband cigarettes after stopping a vehicle and trailer near Powerview on December 20, 2012. (RCMP HANDOUT)
Two men have been charged following the seizure of nearly one million contraband cigarettes.
Manitoba RCMP stopped a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck towing a rental trailer on December 20. Officers then discovered 4,900 cartons with an estimated value of $150,000.
The driver, a 32-year-old man from Fort Alexander, and the passenger, a 52-year-old man from Winnipeg, are facing charges of possession of contraband tobacco under the Excise Act.
The men are also facing charges under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and Miscellaneous Taxes Act, where fines of up to $10,000 and tax penalties of $750,000 could be levied.
Both men were released from custody and will appear in Winnipeg court on March 18, 2013.
— Staff
