VicPD recently seized over $500,000 worth of contraband cigarettes and cash following a two-month-long investigation into the sale of illegal tobacco products in Greater Victoria.
The investigation led to the execution of two search warrants in View Royal and Victoria on April 12th, resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes and $65,000 in Canadian currency.
The value of the seized cigarettes was estimated at around $450,000.
Contraband tobacco refers to products that are not legally sold in BC, as they lack the provincial stamps that indicate payment of both provincial and federal taxes.
Investigators believe that illegal tobacco products are being sold at a fraction of the retail price, which could be negatively affecting local retail outlets and small businesses.
VicPD’s General Investigation Section (GIS) launched the investigation in February after receiving a tip about the sale of illegal tobacco in the Greater Victoria area.
Police could not release any further information on the case as it is pending investigation.
Anyone with information on the sale of illegal tobacco in Victoria are asked to report it to VicPD at (250) 995-7654. People can also report what they know anonymously by contacting Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
