$6.7M in illegal cigarettes seized in Edmonton: AGLC

Illegal unmarked cigarettes in this undated file image. (CTV NEWS)

Millions of dollars in illegal cigarettes have been seized after a month-long investigation by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

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AGLC said a contraband trafficking group was busted at a commercial property in northwest Edmonton.

The agency, with help from Edmonton police, seized 36,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes, with an estimated retail value of $6.7 million and a total provincial tax avoidance of nearly $2.2 million.

AGLC said the investigation is ongoing and that charges are pending. The agency did not say how many people were involved or if any arrests had been made.

According to AGLC, illegal tobacco poses public health and safety risks. Contraband includes tobacco products from illegal manufacturers, counterfeits, tax-exempt diversions and resale of stolen tobacco.

The Alberta government said it will spend $1.3 million this year to add 10 AGLC officers to the tobacco enforcement unit, doubling it in size.

Albertans can report illegal tobacco production or trafficking to AGLC at 1-800-577-2522.