Manitoba RCMP seize millions of contraband cigarettes near border

Two drivers are facing charges after RCMP seized nearly eight million contraband cigarettes during a recent search near the Manitoba border.

According to RCMP, officers with the Falcon Beach detachment were called to the weigh station near West Hawk Lake after the contraband tobacco was found inside of a semi-trailer.

RCMP said 781 cases were found in the trailer. Each case contained 50 cartons with 10,000 cigarettes, totalling 7.81 million cigarettes.

RCMP estimates the street value of the cigarettes is between $2.343 million and $3.124 million.

The driver, a 40-year-old man from Brooks, Alta., and the co-driver, a 70-year-old man from Toronto, were both arrested and are facing multiple possession of contraband cigarette charges. They were released from custody and will appear in court in Steinbach on Aug. 7, 2026.

None of the charges have been proven in court.