Four Edmonton convenience stores charged for selling illegal tobacco

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) along with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabic (AGLC) have charged four northeast Edmonton convenience stores for selling illegal tobacco.

EPS says in January, officers began an investigation into the sale of illicit tobacco at a store near 118 Avenue, following concerns from other business owners.

In February, EPS along with the AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit were able to confirm that contraband tobacco was being sold by four convenience stores located along 118 Avenue.

The stores in question were 7 Days Convenience at 41 Street, Classic Corner at 46 Street, Sihem Market at 79 Street, and Classic Mini Mart at 87 Street.

On Feb. 9, a search warrant was executed at all four locations, and police were able to seize 399 cartons of cigarettes, 142 individual packs of cigarettes, 120 cigars, and seven boxes of loose tobacco, which was worth around $25,000.

Police have since charged Million Tewelde, 25, Ermias Gebrehiwet, 36, and Biniyam Adhanom, 34, the owners of 7 Days Convenience, with trafficking contraband tobacco and fraud under $5,000.

Additionally, Semhar Kafil, 33, owner of Classic Corner and Classic Mini Mart, was charged with trafficking contraband tobacco and fraud over $5,000.

Lastly, the owner of Sihem Market was issued a violation ticket under the Tobacco Tax Act.

“In addition to the public health and safety risks due to the lack of regulatory controls and inspections oversight, contraband tobacco also negatively impacts the dollars that go towards everyday projects and services Albertans rely on. AGLC will continue to work with our law enforcement partners throughout Alberta to combat illicit tobacco,” says Gary Peck, Vice President, Regulatory Services, AGLC.

“Local businesses play a significant role in community safety and security, and they are often the first to notice suspicious activity,” Cst. Justin Marleau, with EPS’ Northeast Beats adds. “In this case, the business community helped identify widespread illicit tobacco sales that were negatively affecting the area.”

Police say contraband tobacco is a tobacco product that doesn’t comply with federal and provincial laws relating to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping, and payment of duties and taxes. It comes in four main sources: illegal manufacturers, counterfeits, tax-exempt diversions, and the resale of stolen legal tobacco.

Lastly, contraband tobacco can be recognized by the absence of a red (Alberta) or peach/light tan (Canada) stamp bearing the “DUTY PAID CANADA DROIT ACQUITTÉ” on packages of cigarettes and cigars or pouches of tobacco.