Early last week, the Taxation Special Investigations Unit division of Manitoba Finance executed a search warrant at a Brandon residence and seized 68,150 contraband cigarettes and $3,760 in cash.
A 37-year-old female was found to be in possession of illegal tobacco products that were not marked for Manitoba tax purposes. She now faces charges under The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act, The Tax Administration, and Miscellaneous Taxes Act and The Criminal Code of Canada.
If the woman had sold the cigarettes, the province would have lost $20,104.25 in tax revenue. The woman, who is a first time offender, faces between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months in prison. If convicted, she would have to pay a triple tax penalty of $60,312.75.
The province urges anyone with information on contraband tobacco to call their local police department, the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
