WINNIPEG – Over 68,000 contraband cigarettes were seized las week when the Taxation Special Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a home in Brandon.

The 37 year-old female resident faces charges under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act, The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act and the Criminal Code.

Manitoba stood to lose $20,104.25 in tax revenue if these products had been sold. For a first-time offence, individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. If convicted, the accused is subject to a triple tax penalty of $60,312.75.