More than 7 million illegal cigarettes seized during traffic stop in Lloydminster

Mounties say 7,200,000 unstamped cigarettes were seized during a traffic stop of a semi in Lloydminster on Feb. 22, 2026. (Credit: RCMP)

A Calgary man is facing charges after more than seven million illegal cigarettes were seized at the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.

On Sunday, Lloydminster RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a semi hauling a trailer at 44 Street near 50 Avenue in the border city.

The man driving the truck wasn’t able to provide the required documentation for his load, according to Mounties, so officers inspected the trailer.

According to RCMP, the trailer contained 24 pallets with 48,000 cartons containing 7,200,000 unstamped cigarettes.

Police say the estimated retail value is over $6 million and $2 million in subverted taxes.

The semi and its load were seized as a result of the stop.

The 62-year-old driver from Calgary has been charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and unlawful possession of tobacco products under the Excise Act.

“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” Sgt. Christopher Byford of Lloydminster RCMP said in a news release.

“Criminal activity undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organized crime.”

The driver is being held in custody with a court date of March 3 in Lloydminster.