News release

Alberta RCMP host Crime Stoppers as they launch new Illicit Tobacco Campaign

January 27, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Edmonton – Today, the Alberta RCMP hosted the Alberta Crime Stoppers to celebrate their 50^th anniversary and to launch of their new Anti-illicit Tobacco Campaign. 

The focus of their new campaign is to help curb the sales of illegal tobacco in communities across Alberta. While it may not seem like a particular harmful crime, the sale of illicit tobacco effects communities in ways that may not be immediately apparent.  The illegal cigarettes may not follow health and safety standards, they harm local businesses that are operating legitimately, and the funds received from illegal sales of tobacco may go towards other, more harmful, illegal activities.

In 2021, only 12 charges were laid in relations to the possession or distribution of illicit tobacco. Since then, the Alberta RCMP has seen a dramatic increase in these crimes. In 2025, there was an over 1000% increase in the number of charges related to illicit tobacco with close to 150 charges being laid.

“People might think that it isn’t that big of a deal, that it’s just a few cheap cigarettes here or there, that it doesn’t hurt anyone,” said Chief Super Intendent Gary Graham, Officer in Charge of Alberta RCMP Community and Safety and Well-being. “What they don’t realize is that these products are frequently part of larger operations. The money that comes from the sale of these illegal cigarettes goes directly to the pockets of large-scale organized criminal enterprises who use that money to fund their other crimes.”

“Illicit tobacco is often misunderstood as a low-level issue, but it is frequently linked to organized crime and broader community harm,” said Vivianna Botticelli Interim Board Chair of Alberta Crime Stoppers, “This campaign is about helping Albertans understand that the price tag isn’t the real cost — and reminding the public that Crime Stoppers provides a safe, anonymous way to report suspicious activity they may see in their communities.”

“In past five years, Alberta has seen a rise in contraband tobacco activities, and, during that same time, we’ve experienced a drop of more than $500 million in tobacco tax revenue,” Dave Berry Executive Vice President, Public Engagement and Chief Regulatory Officer of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis. “AGLC is proud to work in collaboration with the Alberta government, with law enforcement partners and with the ongoing support of the legitimate tobacco industry to investigate and pursue those involved in the contraband tobacco industry in the province.”

As community partners, Crime Stoppers are a valuable part of the ensuring the safety of Albertans. They work with the Alberta RCMP helping to report crimes that are occurring in communities across the province. When people may wish to remain anonymous, they can report crimes they witness to Alberta Crime Stoppers knowing that their personal information will be kept confidential, but that law enforcement will be informed.

These anonymous tips are a vital source of information to the Alberta RCMP helping them reduce crime across the province. The tips that the provided by Alberta Crime Stoppers have led to hundreds of charges and helped recover millions of dollars worth of property.

For more information about Crime Stoppers, the programs they offer, and how to become a crime stopper community, please visit www.crimestoppers.ab.ca/.

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