Huge cache of illegal cigarettes seized in Moose Jaw

Three people were arrested after a recent investigation in Moose Jaw led to the discovery of 618,000 illegal cigarettes and about 68 pounds of loose tobacco.

According to a media release issued Monday by the Moose Jaw Police Service, officers from that force, the Assiniboia RCMP, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) and Saskatchewan Finance Enforcement were investigating the distribution of illegal/unstamped tobacco and cigarettes in Moose Jaw.

On March 19, a vehicle stop and a subsequent search conducted in that city resulted in the discovery and seizure of the massive haul. The police say the estimated street value of the seized items is around $115,000.

Three adults aged 58, 69 and 74 – all from the Assiniboia area – were arrested and now face Criminal Code and Provincial Tobacco Act charges. The trio is slated to appear in court May 27.