An investigation into an allegedly record-setting illegal cigarette smuggling operation has resulted in additional charges and the seizure of more smokes and stolen property.
On Sept. 16, police in Brandon announced they had seized more than 3.5 million illegal cigarettes in a trailer believed to be returning from Ontario, and at a storage locker in Brandon.
The Manitoba Finance Taxation Special Investigations Unit says it was the largest single seizure in its history.
Brandon police now say that investigation led them to raid three additional properties in the city, where they allegedly recovered another 560,000 contraband cigarettes.
Officers also say they found a “large quantity” of stolen power tools believed to be taken from the city and surrounding area.
Subsequently, two of the four suspects originally arrested are now facing additional charges of possession of property obtained by crime and more charges related to the smokes.
Police believe the stolen property was being exchanged for the cigarettes.
The police service values the stolen property at around $50,000 and says some has been returned, while officers are still trying to identify the owners of other items.
- Gas station clerk stabbed several times during violent attack at Ultramar in Montreal
- Man acquitted in Tina Fontaine murder found dead, says her aunt
- Cars torched, explosions heard in suspected arson in Montreal neighbourhood
- Canadians should expect politicians to support right to bail, Virani’s office says
Comments