AGLC seizes $5.3M in illegal cigarettes, shisha from Edmonton warehouses

Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) has seized millions of dollars in contraband tobacco products from two Edmonton warehouses.

The agency’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit says the confiscated products total $5.3 million and includes at least 5.7 million contraband cigarettes (28,000 cartons) and more than 93 kilograms in contraband shisha.

AGLC says the total potential lost tax revenue is estimated to be $1.7 million.

Search warrants were executed at two warehouses in Edmonton after a month-long investigation which is still ongoing.

Charges are pending.

In the last 10 months, AGLC says it has seized around $33.5 million in contraband cigarettes and 208 kilograms of contraband shisha in multiple investigations by the Tobacco Enforcement Unit. The total potential lost tax revenue in total is estimated at more than $12.8 million.

AGLC explains contraband tobacco is any tobacco product that doesn’t comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping, and payments of duties and taxes; comes from either illegal manufacturers, counterfeits, tax-exempt diversions, and resale of stolen legal tobacco, and doesn’t have 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.

In addition to lose revenue that AGLC says would benefit Albertans, illegal products can also pose public health and safety risks as they lack regulatory controls and inspections oversight.

Albertans who suspect illegal tobacco production, packaging and/or trafficking are encouraged to contact AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit at 1-800-577-2522 or Crime Stoppers.