A 44-year-old Winnipeg man is facing charges in Ontario and Manitoba for his involvement in allegedly smuggling illegal cigarettes.
Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) along with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began investigating the accused after they learned he may be involved in a smuggling operation to bring cigarettes from Quebec into Manitoba for resale.
On November 29, 2020, the OPP stopped the suspect east of Thunder Bay and found he was in possession of 2.5 million cigarettes destined for resale in Manitoba.
Daniel Deschamps was arrested, charged and released by the OPP and will appear in court at a later date.
Three days later on December 2, 2020, Deschamps was seen leaving his home in contravention to COVID-19 public health orders that require travellers returning from the east to isolate. Investigators followed as he drove to various locations throughout Winnipeg.
Deschamps was once again arrested and this time had 220,000 illegal cigarettes in his possession. Investigators obtained search warrants for two properties and located an additional 650,000 contraband cigarettes.
Deschamps is facing fines up to $10,000 and possible imprisonment up to six months for his involvement if convicted. He also faces a triple tax penalty of $783,000 and the forfeiture of his vehicle.
Deschamps will also be facing fines for failing to isolate under current COVID-19 restrictions.
© News4.ca 2020
