Nearly 32 million illegal cigarettes seized in Edmonton, Alberta regulator says

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) says investigators seized nearly 32 million contraband cigarettes during searches at a commercial property in northwest Edmonton last month, marking the largest tobacco seizure in the regulator's history.

According to an AGLC statement, the cigarettes have an estimated retail value of more than $29 million. The regulator said the seizure also prevented an estimated $9 million in avoided provincial tobacco taxes.

AGLC said the investigation involved searches at a commercial property in northwest Edmonton. No additional details about arrests or charges were released in the announcement.

The seizure highlights ongoing enforcement efforts targeting the illegal tobacco market in Alberta, where the province is responsible for regulating tobacco distribution and collecting provincial tobacco taxes. It was not immediately clear whether further enforcement action or court proceedings are anticipated.