Over $400,000 worth of contraband tobacco was seized by BC Highway Patrol officers in Duncan last month during a traffic stop. (BCHP)

By Jordan Davidson

illegal smokes

Over $400,000 in illegal cigarettes seized in Duncan traffic stop

Jul 5, 2024 | 2:23 PM

DUNCAN — Almost 500,000 illegal cigarettes were seized during a traffic stop near Duncan last month.

On June 15, the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) noticed a truck towing an enclosed cargo trailer driving well below the speed limit along the Trans-Canada Highway, while also having trouble staying in their lane.

The truck was pulled over to check the driver for impairment, and that’s when officers discovered 46 cases of unstamped and untaxed cigarettes, with each case containing 50 cartons, totalling 460,000 individual cigarettes.

The driver was arrested for trafficking-related offences.

Unit commander of the BCHP- Duncan Sgt. Brad Robinson said unstamped tobacco sales are a growing concern in B.C., with their officers working to cut off pipelines leading to the sale of illegal cigarettes.

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“This seizure reflects over $250,000 in lost tax revenue and a retail value of over $400,000. Tax revenue collected from tobacco products supports our healthcare system and the sale of unstamped tobacco is often tied to organized crime.”

The investigation into this incident continues, while BCHP anticipates several charges will be recommended against the driver.

In March, $12 million worth of illegal cigarettes were seized in the Lower Mainland, with the investigation starting in Nanaimo in the fall of 2021.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow