Lloydminster RCMP has uncovered one of Alberta’s largest illegal tobacco seizures after stopping a semi-truck in the early hours of Nov. 18 on 44 St.
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Police say the driver was unable to provide proper documentation for the load he was hauling, prompting officers to investigate further.
Police obtained a search warrant for the truck and trailer and discovered approximately 8.8 million unstamped cigarettes — an estimated $7.65-million haul. Officers seized the semi-truck, trailer, and its contents.
Police arrested the driver, Gurjant Singh, a 33-year-old Surrey, B.C. resident, who now faces numerous charges under the Criminal Code, the Excise Act and the Alberta Tobacco Tax Act.
Charges include, fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, unlawful possession of tobacco products and importing tobacco into Alberta. Police released Singh with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Dec. 16.
Sgt. Christopher Byford of the Lloydminster RCMP said the find is a major blow to contraband operations.
“This seizure represents a significant disruption to the illegal tobacco trade,” he said. “Contraband tobacco operations undermine legitimate businesses and are often linked to organized crime.”
Byford added how the city played a crucial role in ensuring the search could be completed safely.
“The City of Lloydminster was instrumental, providing secure facilities, a forklift and an operator. It greatly expedited our investigation.”
Byford said investigators have not yet determined the shipment’s origin or any group connections, and they continue to actively investigate the file.
He confirmed this is the largest seizure he’s aware of in Alberta at this time and the first major bust of this scale within Lloydminster in years.
Authorities moved the cigarettes to a secure warehouse in Regina while awaiting court decisions on their disposal.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers praised the RCMP for their work and said the city was ready to assist when called upon.
“Communication was extensive between the RCMP and the City,” said Aalbers. “We don’t do this every day, but we have secure facilities and were able to accommodate their needs.”
Seeing millions of dollars in illegal tobacco taken off the streets, he added, underscores the importance of the local detachment.
“This impacts not only our city but our province. Excise taxes fund the services people rely on every day,” he said. “I’m excited to see the work that was done by our detachment each and every day.”
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