REGINA — The Regina Police Service has concluded an investigation into the sale of illegal cigarettes with the arrest of two men and a large-scale seizure.
The Online/Stolen Property Unit began investigating a potential criminal enterprise linked to illegal tobacco sales back in February, in conjunction with other RPS units and provincial law enforcement.
Multiple search warrants related to the investigation were executed this week, involving an apartment, two storage lockers, a motor home and three vehicles.
Police found and seized over 133 cases of illegal cigarettes as a result, containing an estimated 1.1 million individual cigarettes valued at over $577,000.
Two male Regina residents were also taken into custody on March 17, in relation to the investigation and search.
The 61-year-old 44-year-old suspects have both been charged with one count each of selling tobacco or raw leaf tobacco products, as well as possessing, transporting and selling unstamped tobacco.
Under the Tobacco Act, both individuals are potentially facing a fine of approximately $648,000, calculated based on the total amount of illegal tobacco involved in the charges.
Both accused have been released on conditions and will return to appear in provincial court on May 3.
