Tobacco trafficking operation was run ‘like a business,’ RCMP say after 4 charged

Boxes of contraband tobacco products, including more than 200,000 cigarettes, were seized from an Edmonton home on March 5, 2026. (Source: Alberta RCMP)

Four Edmonton men are accused of running an illegal tobacco distribution network “like a business,” going so far as to hand out business cards with a number to place orders.

While executing a search warrant at an Edmonton house on March 5, Mounties found nearly 202,500 illegal cigarettes and $53,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds of crime.

Investigators allege the group was selling the contraband products in the Parkland area, making hundreds of thousands of dollars a month.

“The seizure represents more than $100,000 in avoided taxes and a significant loss to local retailers,” RCMP said in a statement.

Two of the accused face charges under the federal Excise Act, while the other two face Criminal Code charges.