Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis’s (AGLC) Tobacco Enforcement Unit and partnering law enforcement agencies had a productive November. Three seizures resulted in a combined total of more than 28,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes (nearly 5.7 million individual cigarettes) with a total provincial tax avoidance of approximately $1.7 million.
- In a Parkland County quonset, more than 9,900 cartons (nearly 2 million individual cigarettes) were seized. This equates to $1.8 million in retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $596,000.
- A seizure in a north Edmonton dwelling revealed 9,800 cartons of various brands of contraband cigarettes (more than 1.9 million individual cigarettes). This equates to more than $1.8 million in retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $588,000.
- In a Calgary dwelling, nearly 9,000 cartons (approximately 1.8 million individual cigarettes) were seized. The cigarettes seized have an approximate retail value of $1.4 million with a provincial tax avoidance of $538,000
Criminal charges are pending for all cases.
“Contraband tobacco takes away significant provincial tax revenue that supports health care, public safety and essential services that all Albertans use on a day-to-day basis. These contraband investigations are part of AGLC’s continued commitment with our provincial partners to combat the rise of illegal tobacco and criminal activities in Alberta.”
Kandice Machado, Chief Executive Officer, AGLC
Illegally manufactured products also pose public health and safety risks as they lack regulatory controls and inspections oversight. AGLC and its partners are committed to a coordinated contraband tobacco enforcement program in Alberta to crack down on groups and individuals engaged in illegal activities.
Contraband tobacco:
- is any tobacco product that does not comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping and payment of duties and taxes;
- comes from four main sources: illegal manufacturers, counterfeits, tax-exempt diversions and resale of stolen legal tobacco; and
- can be recognized by the absence of a red (Alberta) or peach/light tan (Canada) stamp bearing the “DUTY PAID CANADA DROIT ACQUITTÉ” on packages of cigarettes and cigars or pouches of tobacco.
Albertans who suspect illegal tobacco production, packaging and/or trafficking are encouraged to contact AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit at 1-800-577-2522 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, AGLC enforces the Tobacco Tax Act and conducts criminal investigations related to the possession, distribution and trafficking of contraband tobacco products. In 2023-24, provincial revenue from tobacco taxes was approximately $449 million.
Multimedia
Media inquiries
Media Relations
media@aglc.ca
587-596-5351