Investigations led by Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis’s (AGLC) Tobacco Enforcement Unit (TEU) with the support of Edmonton Police Service resulted in the seizure of nearly 67,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes and cigars with an approximate retail value of $12.3 million. In addition, more than 150,000 grams of contraband shisha tobacco were seized. The total provincial tax avoidance is more than $4 million.
- A two-week investigation led to a search warrant for an individual connected to a commercial warehouse and detached garage in Edmonton. 19,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes and cigars along with 50,000 grams of contraband shisha were seized. This equates to $3.5 million in approximate retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $1.1 million.
- A three-week investigation identified an individual using commercial storage lockers, a warehouse and a vehicle in Edmonton to traffic contraband tobacco products. 47,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes and 100,000 grams of contraband shisha were seized. The contraband tobacco seized has an approximate retail value of $8.8 million with a provincial tax avoidance of $2.9 million.
Criminal charges are pending for both cases.
“Keeping illegal tobacco off the streets helps make our communities safer and supports local businesses that work hard to ensure they are following the law and selling legal products. AGLC is proud of our mandate to combat the rise of contraband tobacco in our province.”
Kandice Machado, Chief Executive Officer, AGLC
“Our government recognizes and appreciates the important work AGLC is doing to keep contraband tobacco off our streets. Ensuring that only legal tobacco products are sold in our communities not only protects consumers, but also supports hard-working local businesses who play by the rules.”
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
“7-Eleven Canada applauds the Government of Alberta, and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis for their success in combatting organized crime and the illicit sale and cross-border trade of contraband tobacco. Their leadership is helping keep Alberta communities safe and supporting responsible business operators and their employees.”
Marc Goodman, Vice President and General Manager, 7-Eleven Canada
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.
In the last year, the TEU led more than 255 investigations, resulting in the seizure of over 237,000 cartons equaling an estimated retail value of over $40 million in contraband tobacco taken off the streets.
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. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact 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 $439 million.
For more information on contraband tobacco in Alberta, visit aglc.ca/contraband-tobacco.
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7-Eleven Storefront Video
Media inquiries
media@aglc.ca
587-596-5351