Red Deer RCMP seized 1.34 million illegal cigarettes, worth over $1 million, and have arrested a Red Deer man.
Police said a two-month investigation that began in August revealed a wholesale supplier of contraband tobacco products was operating out of Red Deer, and was distributing to numerous locations throughout Alberta.
Search warrants were executed on three properties in Red Deer, Lacombe County and Morningside that were associated with the suspect.
In addition to the numerous boxes of cigarettes, police also seized about $14,000 in cash, a stolen Dodge Challenger, and contraband cannabis products.
A 43-year-old man was charged with selling unstamped (contraband) tobacco under the Criminal Code, selling unstamped tobacco products under the Excise Act, possession for the purpose of trafficking cannabis products, and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on Thursday.
Red Deer RCMP’s Property/Intel team and the Ponoka RCMP assisted in the investigation.