RCMP Federal Investigators seize 27 tonnes of contraband cigarettes, dismantle criminal networks involved

B.C., Federal Policing

2024-03-08 11:30 PST

File # 2023-18432 & 2021-1569

A recent enforcement action conducted by the RCMP Federal Policing program has resulted in the seizure of 45 pallets of illicit tobacco, with an estimated retail value of over $12 million. In addition to the estimated 67,500 cartons of cigarettes; 70 pounds of silver, and $100,000 dollars in cash were seized from various locations across the cities of Mission, and Maple Ridge, BC. This enforcement action was the latest of two investigations conducted by RCMP Federal Policing program over the last year; bringing the combined amount of contraband cigarettes seized by Federal investigators to an estimated total of 27 tonnes, with a retail value of over $24 million.

On February 28, 2024, the RCMP Clandestine Laboratories Enforcement and Response team (CLEAR), with the assistance of other partner agencies, executed search warrants at 4 locations across the cities of Maple Ridge and Mission, and arrested 2 individuals for their alleged involvement in the trafficking of contraband tobacco. In addition to the assistance provided by investigators from the Mission RCMP detachment, FSOC Financial Integrity program, and the Pacific Region Shiprider program; key support was also provided by the BC Ministry of Finance - Tax Fraud Investigations Unit (FIN).

The investigation by the FSOC Border Integrity program was initially launched in the fall of 2023, which led to the discovery of several locations that were believed to be storage, and distribution facilities for contraband tobacco. This enforcement action was part of a series of ongoing efforts by RCMP Federal Investigators in combating organized crime elements involved in the trafficking of contraband tobacco.

A similar FSOC investigation into a transnational organized crime group, suspected of trafficking of illicit tobacco was launched in the fall of 2021, leading to a number of police enforcement actions over the spring and summer of 2023. These enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of over 66 thousand cartons of contraband cigarettes, with an estimated retail value of $11,925,000. This investigation was initially launched by the Nanaimo - FSOC Major Projects team, which quickly expanded into jurisdictions across BC’s Nanaimo, Vancouver, Langley, Abbotsford, and Cobble Hill; and into Edmonton, Alberta. The organized crime network involved in this contraband tobacco trafficking operation was also suspected of being linked to cross-border cocaine smuggling, and money laundering activities that had been a subject of joint enforcement actions by RCMP FSOC, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2020.

As part of the RCMP’s Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Strategy, the RCMP Federal Policing program continues to actively pursue organized crime groups involved in the trafficking of illicit tobacco. Most of these criminal organizations are also involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, and use the same drug pipelines for their movement; therefore, these collaborative enforcement efforts between partner agencies, RCMP FSOC, and the BC Ministry of Finance – Investigations Unit, will certainly have a crippling effect on the activities of organized crime groups involved.

Source: Assistant Commissioner. David Teboul - Pacific Regional Commander of the RCMP Federal Policing Program

Although these investigations are ongoing, the RCMP Federal Policing program continues to work closely with its partner agencies to combat transnational organized crime, and protect Canadians from the most serious criminal threats facing our communities, and institutions.

The successful outcomes of these investigations were made possible through the unwavering support of our partner agencies including Edmonton FSOC, Nanaimo RCMP Detachment, Vancouver Police Department, Abbotsford Police Department, and other key domestic and international partners.

The illicit tobacco trade is a global phenomenon that contributes to the growth of transnational organized crime, and undermines public health objectives. If you have information about illicit tobacco related offences, or other crimes, you may report it by contacting your local police agency, or anonymously calling BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Email: bcfederalpolicing_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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