RM CORMAN PARK — A routine patrol led Corman Park Police Service (CPSS) officers to seize more than 100,000 illicit cigarettes and charge a Fort Qu’Appelle man on March 4.
Police say that around 8:45 p.m. near Highway 16 and Dalmeny Road, officers stopped a Dodge Ram after they clocked it going 100 km/h in an 80 km/h zone with only one working headlight. When an officer approached the truck, he spotted a package of unstamped tobacco in the driver’s possession.
According to CPPS, the officer, experienced in illicit tobacco seizure, confirmed the vehicle contained a large quantity of illegal cigarettes. During the investigation, the officer also formed the opinion that the driver may be impaired by drugs. As a result, a demand for an oral fluid sample was made. The test was positive.
A 65-year-old man has been charged with possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of sale. The driver also received an administrative three‑day licence suspension after a positive oral fluid (drug) test, as well as an offence notice for speeding.
Police seized 10 cases of illicit cigarettes, each containing 50 cartons of cigarettes, with each carton containing 200 cigarettes. Police say the estimated street value of this seizure is between $20,000 and $40,000.
CPPS says proactive traffic enforcement and the interdiction of illicit substances, illicit tobacco and weapons remain priorities as part of its mandate to support safer roads and safer communities in Saskatchewan.
