Illegal cigarettes imported into Saskatchewan

Provincial officials are investigating after 100 cartons of cigarettes were illegally imported into Saskatchewan.

Following a tip, the seizure was made at a courier depot in Saskatoon before they were able to reach their intended destination.

The Rainbow Tobacco cigarettes seized originated in Quebec on the Kahnawake reserve.

According to officials, they appear to be part of an attempt to market the company’s tobacco in Western Canada. Rainbow Tobacco cigarettes have already been seized in Alberta and B.C. in recent weeks.

In Saskatchewan, it is illegal to import cigarettes that have not had provincial taxes paid on them.

Anyone convicted may be fined up to $10,000. Convicted corporations could face fines of $50,000.