INDIAN HEAD – Nearly two million illegal cigarettes were seized on a Saskatchewan highway recently, estimated at $1.1 million.
"Thanks to this observant officer in the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, we were able to prevent organized crime from using Saskatchewan's roadways to profit from illegal activity," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. "This is just one example of the excellent work the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol and Provincial Protective Services do every day to ensure public safety in our province."
The seizure occurred on Aug. 31 during a commercial vehicle stop on Highway 1 east of Indian Head. In the course of that investigation, six pallets of unstamped cigarettes were discovered.
The driver of the truck was taken into custody by the Highway Patrol and the cigarettes plus the semi and trailer were seized.
"The Saskatchewan Highway Patrol is steadfast in its commitment to keeping the roadways in Saskatchewan safe," Inspector Alex Heron of the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol said. "I am extremely proud of the work all our officers do on a daily basis to prevent our roads from being used for criminal activity that will negatively impact Saskatchewan communities."
RCMP have charged the driver with several counts under the Criminal Code and Tobacco Act.
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