Gatineau, Que. police seize more than 37,000 contraband cigarettes in 2 busts

The side of a Gatineau police cruiser is seen in this undated photo.

Police in Gatineau, Que. say officers have seized more than 37,000 contraband cigarettes following two separate searches in May and June.

The first occurred May 8, at a home on rue Hurtubise in the Lac-Beauchamp district. The investigation began following a tip from the public, police said.

A 56-year-old man was arrested and police seized 29 cartons of 200 cigarettes each, more than six grams of cocaine, and a 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage, according to a news release.

The second search was executed June 5, when officers from Gatineau police and the Sûreté du Québec stopped two vehicles on the Guy Lafleur highway near Thurso.

Two men, 54 and 69, were arrested. During this seizure, police obtained 160 cartons of 200 cigarettes each, six more packs of cigarettes, more than 25 grams of cocaine, nearly 30 grams of an unidentified white powder, nearly $100 in cash, and materials police described as being used to “produce and package” drugs.

One of the stopped vehicles, a 2005 Ford Ranger, was seized.

Charges related to tobacco regulations are recommended for the three accused, police said.

Gatineau police say anyone with information regarding illegal tobacco sales can contact the police information line at 819-243-4636, option 4. All information received is treated confidentially.