$30M Worth of Illegal Cigarettes Seized in Alberta’s Westlock Area

Alberta RCMP have seized an estimated $30 million worth of illegal cigarettes following a months-long investigation in the Westlock area. A 50-year-old Westlock man has been arrested and charged with multiple offences.

Police began the investigation in January after receiving information that unstamped cigarettes were being sold in the Westlock area. During the investigation, an undercover officer purchased cigarettes from a store called The Boutique.

Search warrants were executed on June 17 and 18. On September 15, police searched a rural property in Westlock County and arrested the suspect.

Officers seized 147,700 cartons of unstamped cigarettes, with an estimated retail value of about $30 million, including approximately $10 million in outstanding taxes. Police also seized three firearms, $225,045 in cash and two vehicles.

The 50-year-old Westlock resident faces charges related to the illegal sale of tobacco products, fraud and firearms offences. He was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on October 29.