The Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Unit’s been netting more than traffic violations. After a drug seizure and charges April 17 and a drugs and weapon seizure and charges May 30, the unit has now seized contraband cigarettes.
On June 13, at approximately 1:45 p.m., a member of the Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Unit observed a westbound vehicle swerving on Highway 7 near Marengo. The vehicle was stopped for a driver sobriety check. During the stop, a package of unstamped tobacco was located in plain view of the police officer.
The vehicle was searched. Two large boxes containing approximately 20,000 contraband cigarettes were found in the trunk of the rental vehicle and seized. The contraband cigarettes are believed to have originated in Eastern Canada and to be destined for the Calgary area.
The losses of revenues in taxes caused by the sale of this quantity of contraband cigarettes are estimated to be $2,400 for the Saskatchewan government and $5,400 for the Canadian government.
The driver, a 48-year-old male from Lacombe, Alta., is facing charges under the Excise Act and the Tobacco Tax Act. He will be making his first court appearance Aug. 20, in Kindersley Provincial Court.
