RCMP have arrested two Winnipeg men in connection to a seizure of 470,000 cigarettes and 2000 cigars.
According to the province, the seizure was the result of an investigation between Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit in cooperation with RCMP, Ontario Ministry of Finance, Ontario Provincial Police and Sûreté du Québec (Quebec’s provincial police).
On August 5, 2018, a traffic stop was conducted on two separate vehicles on Provincial Road 207 around 6:30 pm. A search of the vehicles uncovered cigarettes without the Manitoba mark. Police also seized $3,105 in cash during the search.
Ross Livingston, 66 and Ernest Delaronde, 49 are facing criminal charges for trafficking contraband tobacco as well as violations of The Excise Act, The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act for their alleged involvement.
Based on the number of tobacco products seized the province says they stood to lose about $139,365.50 in tax. If convicted the pair face a mandatory triple tax penaly of $418,096.50 as well and fines up to $10,000. They could also face up to six months in jail.
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