MANITOBA – A Special Investigation by the Manitoba Finance Taxation Unit, with assistance from the RCMP, has led to the seizure of 71,000 contraband cigarettes.

Two men, ages 26 and 44 were also arrested on December 12th and will face charges under The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act.

Manitoba stood to lose $20,945 in tax revenue if these cigarettes had been sold. If convicted, the individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. In addition, they may face a triple tax penalty of $62,835.

The province urges anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to: