A Tuesday afternoon traffic stop in a 91原创 City neighbourhood seized thousands of dollars, contraband cigarettes and what was described as a small amount of illicit drugs.
91原创 RCMP said on June 25, around 2:30 p.m. the Special Response Team located a suspicious vehicle in the 5400 block of 204 Street.
When the vehicle left the area, officers followed, and when the driver committed a traffic infraction, they pulled him over.
The traffic stop led to the discovery of $19,692, 12 cartons of unstamped cigarettes, as well as drugs.
RCMP said the driver was arrested for trafficking-related offences and released pending further investigation.
91原创 RCMP Community and Admin Services Officer, acting Inspector Bal Sidhu, said contraband tobacco "poses a dual threat to public health and government revenue. The driver may also face several charges under the Excise Act along with trafficking charges under the Criminal Code."
Under the Excise Act, unlawful possession or sale of tobacco products is banned, stating "no person shall sell, offer for sale or have in their possession a tobacco product unless it is stamped."
RCMP have estimated 175 organized crime groups are involved in the illicit tobacco trade in Canada, and they make millions of dollars a day from contraband tobacco.
Money from the illegal tobacco trade is used to fund other criminal activities, including the sale and distribution of guns, cocaine, illegal, unregulated, cannabis and fentanyl as well as human trafficking.
Residents can contact the 91原创 RCMP at 604-532-3200 to report any suspicion of illegal activities.
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