Mounties in Kelowna say they recently completed one of their largest seizures of contraband tobacco and illicit drugs in years. The investigation was led by Kelowna RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit, which executed a search warrant in the 1700 block of Mackenzie Road on Oct. 8, the detachment said in a news release Thursday. “During the search, officers seized items which included over 7,400 cartons of contraband cigarettes, large quantities of cannabis and various cannabis products, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, nicotine pouches, prescription medication, and a firearm,” the release reads. “The retail value of the contraband cigarettes alone is estimated to be in excess of $750,000.” A standard carton of cigarettes in Canada contains 10 packs of 20 cigarettes each, meaning each carton contains 200 cigarettes. Based on Kelowna RCMP’s account, the seizure included nearly 1.5 million individual contraband cigarettes. Police did not specify the quantities of other drugs they seized during the search. “We are seeing a growing trend of people in possession of unstamped and unregulated tobacco products,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie, in the release. Police said contraband tobacco sales often support other criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and organized crime. “In this case, the male taken into custody at the scene is suspected to be involved in the trafficking of illicit and illegal tobacco and drugs,” said Powrie. The investigation remains ongoing, according to Kelowna RCMP.
