Victoria Police seized more than $130,000 in cash and half a million dollars in contraband cigarettes.
Officers with the General Investigation Services (GIS) section began an investigation into the sale of contraband tobacco in February.
They executed a search warrant at a residence in Esquimalt which resulted in the seizure of large quantities of contraband cigarettes and cash.
Conducting covert surveillance GIS officers observed the suspect selling cartons and packs of cigarettes in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue on Feb. 22. The suspect was arrested in the same area on Feb. 24, without incident.
After the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Esquimalt and seized over 3,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes and $130,000 in Canadian currency. VicPD stated that the commercial value of the seized cigarettes is estimated to be above $500,000.
According to VicPD for tobacco products to be sold legally in B.C., they must have provincial stamps displayed on the packaging that indicates the payment of both provincial and federal taxes. Additionally, contraband tobacco is identified by having no provincial stamps displayed on the packaging.
VicPD stated that the investigation is ongoing and further details are not available at this time.
The reason VicPD is focusing on contraband tobacco is because investigators believe it’s being sold in Greater Victoria at a fraction of its retail price. Police said that this hurts local retail outlets and small businesses.
According to the provincial government, participating in activities associated with illegal or contraband tobacco can compromise public safety by providing funds used to finance organized crime and other criminal activities such as drug and gun trafficking. B.C. also mentioned that this threatens tax revenue, reducing support for government programs.
VicPD asks the public if they have any information on contraband tobacco to call the report desk at (250) 995-7654 ext. 1. For the public to report anonymously they can call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers.
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