Advertisement

2 men charged in contraband tobacco seizure at Edmonton convenience store

File: Packages of flavoured cigars are shown in an Oct. 3, 2010 photo.
File: Packages of flavoured cigars are shown in an Oct. 3, 2010 photo. Doug Ives, The Canadian Press

EDMONTON – Two men have been charged in the seizure of more than 300 kilograms of contraband shisha tobacco, contraband cigarettes, and flavoured cigars at a convenience store in Edmonton.

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission says it found the contraband at Alex’s Convenience Store after obtaining a search warrant.

Hiwot Atnafu and Alemayehu (Alex) Girma have been charged with several violations, including fraud over $5,000, trafficking in contraband tobacco as well as charges under the provincial Tobacco Tax Act for possession of more than 1,000 grams of tobacco.

Both are scheduled to appear in Edmonton provincial court on March 16.

The commission says the lost tax revenue on the contraband products is more than $116,000.

Contraband tobacco is any tobacco product that does not comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping and payment of duties and taxes.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices