$4.5M in contraband tobacco products seized by AGLC
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis investigators have seized an estimated $4.5 million worth of contraband tobacco products, one of the largest ever in the province.
Officials said the lost tax revenue from the products is estimated at more than $2.5 million.
The investigation led to a search warrant being served by members of the Calgary Police Service and RCMP at a storage facility in southeast Calgary.
Ali Al-Hameedawi of Red Deer and Husham Hakeem of Calgary were each charged with trafficking in contraband tobacco and fraud over $5,000.
Both are scheduled to appear in Calgary Provincial Court on Aug. 26.
Contraband tobacco is products that don't comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping and payment of duties and taxes.
Along with lost revenue, officials say contraband tobacco can pose health risks "as they lack regulatory controls and inspections oversight."
"All wholesalers and importers of tobacco into Alberta must be licensed to sell or import tobacco for resale," reads a released from the province.
"Furthermore, all tobacco products must be labelled according to federal and provincial regulations."
Anyone who suspects illegal tobacco production, packaging and/or trafficking is encouraged to contact the AGLC Tobacco Enforcement Unit at 1-800-577-2522.
Provincial revenue from tobacco taxes was $755 million in Alberta last year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.