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.
