RCMP Make Large Untaxed Tobacco Seizure

The war on illicit tobacco continues as the Lumsden RCMP intercepted 3.56 million untaxed cigarettes on Sunday January January 7th.

After observed evidence a semi was hauling illegal cigarettes the Lumsden detachment stopped a semi at approximately 1 pm on highway 11 where there were allegedly 12.5 pallets of unstamped cigarettes.

The pallets held 356 cases of tobacco containing the 3.56 million cigarettes.

Seized cigarettes - photo courtesy RCMP

As a result of investigation, Lumsden RCMP arrested the adult male driver of the semi.

25-year-old Ajay Kumar from Edmonton, Alberta has been charged with:

  • one count, possession for the purpose of sale of tobacco product, Section 121(1), Criminal Code;

  • one count, possession of unstamped tobacco products, Section 32(1), Excise Act;

  • one count, unlawful importation of tobacco, Section 27(2) and 27(5), Tobacco Tax Act; and

  • one count, possession of unstamped tobacco, Section 11(2), Tobacco Tax Act.

Ajay Kumar was scheduled to appear in court in Regina Provincial Court on January 8, 2024.

Seized cigarettes - photo courtesy RCMP

Over the past 18 months, there has been a series of large seizures of unstamped cigarettes as the authorities conduct a crackdown on the illicit cigarette trade.

According to sources due to high profitability the untaxed or illicit cigarette trade is now being conducted by organized gangs many who were in the past involved in the illicit cannabis trade.

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