1.35M illegal cigarettes seized in Red Deer investigation
Posted Nov 3, 2021 6:32 am.
Last Updated Nov 3, 2021 6:35 am.
An illegal tobacco operation in central Alberta has gone up in smoke after being shut down by the RCMP.
Police say that someone was supplying contraband tobacco and was distributing to several other Alberta locations.
A two-month investigation led Mounties to properties in Red Deer, Lacombe County, and Morningside.
Between the three locations that RCMP searched, officers seized 1.35 million illegal cigarettes, approximately $14,000 in cash, a stolen Dodge Challenger, and contraband cannabis products.
The cigarettes are worth over $1 million.
A 43-year-old Red Deer man is now facing a handful of charges, including selling unstamped (contraband) tobacco, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and possession for the purpose of trafficking cannabis products.
He’s scheduled to appear in court later this week.
