June 5, 2019
Province Seizes Contraband Tobacco Products
On May 29, Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit arrested a Ste. Anne resident within the city of Winnipeg and seized 122,816 contraband cigarettes, 2,000 grams of fine cut tobacco and two vehicles.
A 38-year-old male was found in possession of illegal tobacco products that were not marked for Manitoba tax purposes. He now faces charges under The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act, the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act and the Criminal Code.
In relation to the seized tobacco, Manitoba stood to lose $37,130.72 in tax revenue if these products had been sold. For a first-time offence, individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. If convicted, the accused is subject to a triple tax penalty of $111,392.16.
The province urges anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to contact their local police department, call the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137, email smuggling_manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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