A Winnipeg resident is facing major charges after he had more than three million contraband cigarettes confiscated. The number is the largest seizure from a single person in Manitoba's history.
After an investigation that was dubbed 'Project Shark', more than 3.4 million cigarettes were confiscated. The cigarettes represent more than $1 million in lost tobacco tax revenue to the province, according to a release.
Police also seized more than $3,000 in cash, a personal truck and a utility trailer from the person who had the bulk of the cigarettes. Five other adults face a variety of charges under the Tobacco Tax Act, the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act and the Criminal Code, the province says, and face more than $4 million in financial tax penalties.
Three Winnipeg convenience stores are also facing charges and they have had their retail tobacco licences suspended. They include Royal Supermarket on Wellington Avenue, Honey Convenience on Provencher Boulevard and Muncheez on Dufferin Avenue.
Fines under the tax acts are up to $10,000 and up to six months in jail, as well as a potential triple tax penalty.
