Multiple contraband seizures marked a successful June for AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit and partnering law enforcement agencies across the province – including a record setting bust.
- Between June 18 to 23, the AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit (TEU) North, with the assistance Edmonton Police Service’s Patrol Division, executed numerous search warrants on multiple individuals at a commercial property in northwest Edmonton. Nearly 158,000 cartons (more than 31,600,000 cigarettes) were seized with a retail value of more than $29 million and a provincial tax avoidance of $9.4 million. This represents the largest ever contraband tobacco seizure recorded by AGLC.
- On June 17, AGLC’s TEU North in collaboration with the Morinville and Westlock RCMP concluded a month-long investigation into an individual that led to a search warrant on a residence, retail store and storage lockers. More than 4,700 cartons (954,000 cigarettes) were seized having a retail value of nearly $859,000 with a provincial tax avoidance of $286,000. Unsafe storage and loaded firearms were also found along with $212,000 in cash.
- On June 17 after a multi-week investigation, AGLC’s TEU South issued a search warrant on an individual at a convenience store and residence in northeast Calgary. 75 cartons (15,000 cigarettes) of contraband cigarettes were seized with a retail value of nearly $14,000 with a provincial tax avoidance of $4,500. $79,000 in Canadian and US currency were also part of the seizure.
- On June 5, after a multi-week investigation, AGLC’s TEU South executed a search warrant on an individual at a residence in northeast Calgary. Approximately 900 cartons of contraband tobacco (180,000 cigarettes) were seized having a retail value of $166,000 with a provincial tax avoidance of $54,000. $181,000 in Canadian currency was also seized.
Criminal charges are pending for all cases.
For the first half of 2026, AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit in partnership with law enforcement agencies across Canada has led more than 39 investigations seizing more than 225,000 cartons (45 million cigarettes) in Alberta. This equates to $41 million in retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $13.5 million.
“The investigations and seizures again demonstrate the strong commitment AGLC and our law enforcement partners have in combatting illegal tobacco and the harms they present to individuals, communities and businesses. Collaborating with federal and provincial agencies, and keeping our eyes and ears open within the community are vital to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.”
Kandice Machado, CEO, AGLC
“These results show our enforcement efforts are working. Every seizure is another step toward disrupting criminal networks that profit from contraband tobacco. We’re going to keep taking the fight to the black market, protecting Albertans, and making sure honest businesses that follow the rules aren’t undercut by illegal operators."
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
“The RCMP continues to investigate illegal unstamped tobacco sales, which have been proven to play a role in funding other criminal activities, such as purchasing illegal firearms and drugs. While it may not seem like a particular harmful crime, the sale of illicit tobacco has real impacts on our community. These products may not meet health and safety standards, and their sale undermines legitimate local businesses.”
S/Sgt. James Morton, Acting District Operations Officer for the Alberta RCMP's Eastern District
“Rural crime is a growing issue. Safe communities are vital to attract and retain residents and businesses which requires collaboration with local groups, law enforcement and municipalities. We commend the excellent work of the AGLC and RCMP units in disrupting this criminal activity and keeping our communities safer.”
Kara Westerlund, President, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
Illegally manufactured contraband products 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.
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).
For more information on contraband tobacco in Alberta, visit aglc.ca/contraband-tobacco-illegal-cannabis.
Related information
AGLC Contraband Tobacco and Illegal Cannabis information
Multimedia
Contraband Tobacco Photo 1
Contraband Tobacco Photo 2
Contraband Tobacco Photo 3
Media inquiries
media@aglc.ca
587-596-5351