News Releases

April 21, 2022

The Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of Manitoba Finance is reporting a significant seizure of contraband cigarettes from multiple retail locations throughout Winnipeg.

Officials note the presence of Flight brand cigarettes among the products seized, which are illegal to possess in Canada. The 836,354 cigarettes confiscated represent more than $250,900 in potential lost revenue to the Province of Manitoba. One vehicle was also seized and 24 adults face a variety of charges under the Tobacco Tax Act, the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act, and the Criminal Code.

The retail locations charged include:

• Esso Gas Station, 120 Salter St.;
• Magnus Foods, 1028 Main St.;
• Giant Food Mart, 407 Selkirk Ave.;
• P & P Food Market, 682 McGregor St.;
• Mom & Dad’s Grocery, 352 Mountain Ave.;
• St. Anne’s Stop and Shop, 313 St Anne’s Rd.;
• North End Stop, 887 Notre Dame Ave.;
• Muncheez, 325 Dufferin Ave.;
• Quickie Mart, 601 Alfred Ave.; and
• Quickie Mart, 600 Selkirk Ave.

The charges come at the end of a lengthy investigation into multiple Winnipeg retail locations suspected of possessing and selling illegal cigarettes to adult and youth customers.

For a first-time offence under the tax acts, individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and or up to six months imprisonment as well as a potential triple tax penalty of $752,718.60.

The smuggling and sale of illegal cigarettes are not only a tax loss to the citizens of Manitoba, but pose increased health and fire hazards. Illegal cigarettes are not regulated and may contain harmful ingredients may lack the self-extinguishing features of legal brands.

The province urges anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to call their local police department or submit tips to the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137 or via email at taxation.siutips@gov.mb.ca, or to Manitoba Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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