MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Police Service says it has seized approximately 42,000 illegal unstamped cigarettes following a traffic stop and a search warrant of a residence.
On Oct. 20, the Moose Jaw Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan Unit (CTSS) performed a traffic stop on a vehicle in the east end of Moose Jaw. During the stop, police discovered the driver had a suspended license, and then later found evidence of illegal unstamped tobacco. Police performed a search of the vehicle, which yielded a total of 4,540 illegal unstamped cigarettes.
As a result, the driver was arrested and charged with possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of sale. Additionally, the driver was issued a $2,993.20 ticket for possessing unstamped tobacco, a ticket for driving while suspended, and the vehicle was impounded for 60 days. Police say the driver will make their first appearance in Moose Jaw Provincial Court at a later date.
In a separate investigation, even more unstamped cigarettes were seized.
On Oct. 31, members of the Moose Jaw CTSS and the MJPS’ Community Policing Division, with the assistance of Moose Jaw Housing Authority, conducted a search warrant at a residence on the 200 block of High Street East. Police located and seized 37,364 illegal cigarettes and $12,024.75 in Canadian currency.
Police arrested a male and female in relation to the search warrant. Both individuals were criminally charged for possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of sale. The female was also issued a $22,031.12 ticket for possessing unstamped tobacco. Both individuals will make their first appearance in Moose Jaw Provincial Court at a future date.
Police continue to investigate both incidents. If anyone has further information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-694-7600.
