(Cigarettes image via Shutterstock)
Officials with Manitoba Finance’s Special Investigations Unit seized 112,700 contraband cigarettes just as they were about to be delivered.
The province says members of SIU arrested a 67-year-old Winnipeg man on July 24 in connection to the seizure.
Investigators found the contraband items through searches of his vehicle and home. They also seized $2,483.15 in cash and 94 grams of marijuana.
Graham Thomson faces numerous charges as well as a triple tax penalty of $99,739.50 if convicted. The value is based on the loss of $33,246.50 in tax revenue Manitoba stood to lose had the cigarettes been sold.
Thomson also faces fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment if found guilty.
Anyone who wishes to report contraband tobacco can do so at their local police department or by calling Manitoba Finance’s Special Investigations Unit at (204) 945-1137. Alternatively, you can email smuggling_manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
