News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

July 29, 2021

Manitoba Finance Officials Make Arrests, Seize Contraband Tobacco Products



The Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of Manitoba Finance seized 87,900 contraband cigarettes from a Winnipeg residence July 27.

There were multiple illegal brands such as Playfare Full Flavour, DM Original, Dumont Full Flavour, Playfare Menthol, Canadian Goose Blue, Canadian Goose Red and zip-lock baggies containing 200 loose cigarettes. All of these brands are considered illegal anywhere in Canada and are ineligible for a tobacco tax stamp.

The seizure resulted in the arrest of two men from Winnipeg, aged 47 and 29. The province stood to lose $26,370 in tax revenue if these cigarettes had been sold. The two men will face charges under Manitoba’s Tobacco Tax Act and the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act. For a first-time offence under the provincial tax acts, if convicted, the individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. In addition, they may face a triple tax penalty of $79,110. The accused will also face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

The province urges anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to contact their local police department, call the Manitoba Finance SIU at 204-945-1137 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1 800 222 TIPS (8477).

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