More than 3.5 million illegal cigarettes were seized in a joint operation between Manitoba Finance Taxation Special Investigations Unit, Brandon Police and the Ontario Ministry of Finance Investigations.
Police say the seizure took place on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, in Brandon. Four men between the ages of 46 and 60 were arrested in connection to the contraband cigarettes.
Investigators say the cigarettes came form a First Nation community in Ontario.
Officials say that had the cigarettes been sold Manitoba would have lost $1,071,120 in tax revenue.
Under legislation first-time offenders face fines of $1,000 to $10,000 and / or six months in jail. Individuals may also face a triple tax penalty which in this case is $3,213,360.00. They may also lose assets to the Criminal Forfeiture Unit.
Police say the accused will also face Criminal charges.
© News4.ca 2020
