March 26, 2004
$1.9 Million In Illegal Tobacco Seized
$1.9 Million In Illegal Tobacco SeizedA routine check at the West Hawk weigh station on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Ontario border has resulted in the seizure of nearly 34,000 bags of fine cut tobacco in the back of a semi-trailer truck. The seizure occurred on March 24.
The truck was being checked by a Manitoba transport compliance officer for proper documentation. A discrepancy in the paperwork led the compliance officer to have a closer look at the load and a box of unmarked fine cut tobacco was discovered among several boxes not listed on the bill of lading.
The Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit and the RCMP were called in, a search warrant was executed and a total of 6,790 kilograms of fine cut tobacco packaged in 200 gram bags was discovered.
The estimated retail value of the tobacco is about $1.9 million and street level sales would have led to the loss of approximately $1 million in taxes for the provincial government.
A joint investigation involving the RCMP and the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit is continuing. Potential charges could be laid under the federal Excise Act and the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act.
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