LLOYDMINSTER — Police have laid multiple charges after seizing millions of unstamped cigarettes during a traffic stop on Feb. 22.
Lloydminster RCMP officers stopped a semi-truck with trailer on 44 Street, west of 50 Avenue, and the driver wasn’t able to provide the required documentation for his load. As a result, officers conducted an inspection of the trailer.
The police investigation determined the trailer contained 24 pallets, with an estimated 48,000 cartons of contraband, containing an approximately 7,200,000 unstamped cigarettes. The estimated retail value is over $6 million dollars, and over $2 million in subverted taxes. The semi-truck with trailer and its load, have been seized as a result of this police investigation.
The 62-year-old man who is the driver, Mubarak Khan, of Calgary, Alta., was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and unlawful possession of tobacco products (Excise Act).
Khan is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court next on March 3 in Lloydminster Provincial Court.
“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford, Operations NCO Lloydminster RCMP. “Criminal activity undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organized crime. Lloydminster RCMP work with provincial and federal partners to combat contraband trafficking and other crime.”
Anyone with information on any criminal activity in this area is asked to contact Lloydminster RCMP detachment at 780-808-8400. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).
