Mounties seize 8.8M illegal cigarettes in Lloydminster

RCMP seized 8.8 million illegal cigarettes in Lloydminster during a traffic stop. (Supplied)

RCMP have seized millions of unstamped cigarettes after conducting a traffic stop on a semi truck in Lloydminster last week.

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A news release said officers stopped a semi travelling along 44 Street in the early hours of Nov. 18. The driver was unable to provide police with required documentation for the load, prompting an inspection of the trailer.

As a result of the investigation, Mounties seized 8.8 million unstamped cigarettes with an estimated street value of $7.65 million. The truck, trailer and contents were also seized as part of the investigation.

“This seizure represents a significant disruption to the illegal tobacco trade,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford of the Lloydminster RCMP. “Contraband tobacco operations undermine legitimate businesses and are often linked to organized crime.

A 33-year-old man from Surrey, B.C., was arrested and faces several charges including:

• fraud over $5,000;
• possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000;
• unlawful possession of tobacco products;
• possession of proceeds of crime;
• possession of more than 1,000 cigarettes; and
• importing tobacco into Alberta.

The man was released from custody with conditions and is to appear in court on Dec. 16.