Four people are facing charges after Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit and the Winnipeg Police Service seized 28,728 cigarettes and some illegal cannabis in individual packets from three Winnipeg retail outlets.

The investigators say all three businesses were owned and operated by the same people.

The individuals were found selling the tobacco items that did not have markings for Manitoba tax purposes.

The province estimates the loss in tax revenue was approximately $8,600 if the illegal smokes had been sold.

First-time offenders face fines of up to $10,000 and possible jail time of up to six months. They are also subject to a triple tax penalty.

Investigators say one of the people charged has been previously convicted under The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act and may face a quadruple tax penalty of $33,949 if convicted.

Winnipeg Police are investigating and separate charges are pending for the possession of the illegal cannabis

© News4.ca 2020