RCMP, along with Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement, seize large quantity of contraband cigarettes

June 9, 2026 - Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

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On May 29, 2026, at 1:40 pm, Falcon Beach RCMP officers received notification from the Special Investigations Unit of Manitoba Finance regarding a significant contraband tobacco seizure located within a commercial motor vehicle at the Weigh Station, located at West Hawk Lake, by a Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer.

Falcon Beach officers arrived on scene and placed the two vehicle occupants, a 40-year-old male driver from Brooks, AB, and a co-driver, a 70-year-old male from Toronto, ON, under arrest for Trafficking contraband tobacco under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services officers then arrived on scene and took carriage of the investigation.

The semi-trailer was impounded and upon it’s search, officers located and seized 781 cases of contraband tobacco, with each case containing 50 cartons (10,000 cigarettes), for a total seizure of 39,050 cartons (7,810,000 cigarettes). 

The street value of the seized contraband cigarettes is estimated at between $2,343,000 and $3,124,000. 

The two suspects were later released on a Appearance Notice for court scheduled for August 7, 2026, in Steinbach where they will face charges of Possession of contraband tobacco under the Excise Act, Possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of distribution under the Criminal Code and Possession of unstamped tobacco under the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act.

The Manitoba triple tax penalty on this seizure is $0.90 per cigarette, for a triple tax fine of $7,029,000 and an additional Excise Tax (Federal) of $0.17 per cigarette for a fine of $1,327,700.

“I commend the Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement officers and the strong collaboration with the RCMP and Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit, which was critical to this significant contraband tobacco seizure,” said Chief Kevin Mantie, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement. “These efforts help protect a fair, lawful market while disrupting organized crime and sending a clear message that illegal activity will not be tolerated. This inspection also resulted in five offences for tampering with electronic logging devices and two for major mechanical defects, resulting in approximately $15,000 in fines. Thorough inspections, strong Hours of Service compliance, and rigorous cargo securement enforcement remain essential to ensuring commercial carriers operate safely on Manitoba’s roadways.”

“This seizure highlights the scale of illegal tobacco trafficking and the importance of working with our provincial partners to detect and address it,” said Inspector Robert Wuskynyk, Officer in Charge, Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services. “It’s important for people to know that possessing or selling tobacco products that aren’t properly packaged and stamped is against the law. When consumers buy illegal tobacco, they are contributing to criminal activity and potentially funding organized crime.”

The investigation continues. 

Contacts