The Moose Jaw Police Service seized illegal cigarettes and loose tobacco with an estimated street value of $115,000 after conducting a vehicle stop recently.
Police captured about 618,000 illegal cigarettes and roughly 31 kilograms (68 pounds) of loose tobacco during the vehicle stop and following search warrant on March 19, according to a recent news release.
Criminal Code charges and provincial tobacco act charges were laid against three people from the Assiniboia area: Eugene Rivard, 74, Elizabeth Rivard, 69, and Samual Crook, 58.
The Moose Jaw Police Service reminds anyone using unstamped tobacco that it is illegal to possess such a product, the news release says. The illegal tobacco trade is unregulated and supports organized crime. This tobacco also gives people – especially young people – easier access to cigarettes. It also takes away millions of tax dollars from public services such as education and health care.
All three accused people have been released on a recognizance and are scheduled to show up in court on May 27 for their first appearance.
The Moose Jaw Police service, Assiniboia RCMP, Safer Communities and Neighbours (SCAN) and the Saskatchewan Finance Enforcement Officers conducted the joint investigation into the acquisition, possession and distribution of illegal and/or unstamped tobacco and cigarettes in the community.
Anyone with further information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-694-7600.