LLOYDMINSTER - ALERT Lloydminster has seized more than $54,937 of illegal cigarettes and cigars following a five-month investigation into tobacco trafficking taking place online.
In August, ALERT Lloydminster began investigating a social media page used to advertise, sell and distribute unstampedtobacco products.
“Our investigators were able to determine that this page was based in Lloydminster and was facilitating the distribution of illegal tobacco products to at least six provinces and two territories,” said Sgt. Bruce MacLean, ALERT Lloydminster.
On Dec. 13, three search warrants were executed on a home, as well as two vehicles. Police seized a 12-gauge shotgun, 2009 Ford F350, 2022 Toyota Tacoma, 42,800 illegal cigarettes, 1,000 illegal cigars, 23.6 kgs of illegal chewing tobacco, and $16,303 in cash.
“Seeing a network of distribution this large was happening in Lloydminster is concerning and we are glad to have dismantled it. Regardless of the commodity, ALERT is committed to targeting and dismantling networks distributing illegal products. It is important to our team to pursue organized criminality at all levels,” added MacLean.
A 57-year-old Lloydminster man was arrested while attempting to mail illicit tobacco products through Canada Post. He faces numerous charges including sell, offer for sale, transport, deliver, distribute or have in their possession unstampedtobacco, fraud exceeding $5,000 and sale of tobacco without a license. He has been released with his first appearance scheduled for Feb. 7.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
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