Lloydminster RCMP say a routine traffic stop has led to the seizure of millions of dollars worth of illegal tobacco products and charges against a Calgary man.
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Police say officers stopped a semi-truck and trailer Feb. 22 on 44 St. west of 50 Ave. in Lloydminster. The lone driver was unable to provide the required documentation for the load, prompting officers to inspect the trailer.
Investigators allege the trailer contained 24 pallets carrying about 48,000 cartons of contraband tobacco, or an estimated 7.2 million unstamped cigarettes. The retail value of the seizure is estimated at more than $6 million, with more than $2 million in unpaid taxes.
The semi-truck, trailer and cargo were seized.
Mubarak Khan, 62, of Calgary, was arrested at the scene. He is charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and unlawful possession of tobacco products under the Excise Act.
Khan remains in custody and is scheduled to appear March 3 in Lloydminster provincial court.
“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford, operations NCO with Lloydminster RCMP, in a news release. “Criminal activity undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organized crime. Lloydminster RCMP work with provincial and federal partners to combat contraband trafficking and other crime.”
Anyone with information about contraband trafficking or other criminal activity is asked to contact Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.P3Tips.com.
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