On April 23, 2024, at approximately 2:30 pm, Brandon Police Service members conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle (semi-truck and trailer) which was observed to be swerving in its lane on the Trans-Canada Highway in Brandon.
During the roadside check, Police conducted a cargo securement inspection. In doing so, Police learned the driver was transporting a large amount of contraband tobacco. The commercial motor vehicle was found to contain 26 pallets of unstamped tobacco. The suspect, a 26-year-old male driver from Winnipeg was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code for Trafficking Contraband Tobacco. He was subsequently released on an Appearance Notice to appear in court on July 15th, 2024.
In total, 7.8 million unstamped cigarettes were seized with an estimated illicit market value of 4 million dollars.
The Brandon Police Service would like to thank the Manitoba Department of Finance and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance.
This matter remains under investigation.
