RCMP, along with Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement, are reporting that a large quantity of contraband cigarettes was recently seized at West Hawk Lake.
On May 29, 2026, at 1:40pm, Falcon Beach RCMP officers received notification from the Special Investigations Unit of Manitoba Finance regarding a significant contraband tobacco seizure. The seizure was carried out by a Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer and occurred within a commercial motor vehicle at the weigh station located at West Hawk Lake.
Falcon Beach officers arrived on scene and placed the two vehicle occupants, a 40-year-old male driver from Brooks, AB, along with a co-driver, a 70-year-old male from Toronto, ON, under arrest for trafficking contraband tobacco under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services officers subsequently arrived on scene and took carriage of the investigation.
Police say that the semi-trailer was soon after impounded. Upon it’s search, 781 cases of contraband tobacco, with each case containing 50 cartons (10,000 cigarettes), was located and seized. Officers noted that the street value of the seized contraband cigarettes is estimated at between $2,343,000 and $3,124,000.
RCMP report that the two suspects were later released on an appearance notice for court in Steinbach where they will face charges of possession of contraband tobacco under the Excise Act, possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of distribution under the Criminal Code and possession of unstamped tobacco under the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act.
“I commend the Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement officers and the strong collaboration with the RCMP and Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit, which was critical to this significant contraband tobacco seizure,” said Chief Kevin Mantie, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement. “These efforts help protect a fair, lawful market while disrupting organized crime and sending a clear message that illegal activity will not be tolerated. This inspection also resulted in five offences for tampering with electronic logging devices and two for major mechanical defects, resulting in approximately $15,000 in fines. Thorough inspections, strong Hours of Service compliance, and rigorous cargo securement enforcement remain essential to ensuring commercial carriers operate safely on Manitoba’s roadways.”
The Manitoba triple tax penalty on this seizure is $0.90 per cigarette, for a triple tax fine of $7,029,000 and an additional Excise Tax (Federal) of $0.17 per cigarette for a fine of $1,327,700.
