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1.5 million contraband cigarettes seized by Vernon, B.C. Mounties

Click to play video: 'Campaign to raise awareness about the sale of illegal cigarettes'
Campaign to raise awareness about the sale of illegal cigarettes
WATCH: The Okanagan has been named a hot spot for the buying and selling of contraband tobacco. As Victoria Femia reports Crime Stoppers BC is finding ways to raise awareness about the threat the sale of illegal cigarettes poses to the province. – Sep 16, 2022

Nearly 1.5 million contraband cigarettes were seized by North Okanagan Mounties following a traffic stop in Vernon, B.C.

Around 10 p.m. on Jan. 8, a vehicle towing a trailer in the 4800-block of 27th Street was stopped as part of a routine RCMP traffic stop, Vernon RCMP said in a press release.

Click to play video: 'South Eastern Ontario Police forces launch contraband cigarette public awareness campaign.'
South Eastern Ontario Police forces launch contraband cigarette public awareness campaign.

The 45-year-old Lumby man driving the vehicle was found to be prohibited from driving and was arrested by the officer.

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However, it’s what police found after taking the man into custody that was more remarkable.

Following the arrest and as a result of further investigation, police said, evidence was discovered that led to the seizure of nearly 1.5 million cigarettes, all believed to be contraband.

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The man was released from police custody pending a future court appearance.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

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