WINNIPEG – Manitoba Officials seized 112,700 contraband cigarettes following an investigation into their sale.

Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has seized 112,700 contraband cigarettes following an investigation into their sale.

On July 24th members of Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU) arrested Graham Thomson, a 67-year-old Winnipeg man, who was in the process of delivering contraband cigarettes. Following searches of his home and vehicle, 112,700 illegal cigarettes were seized along with $2,483.15 in cash and 94 grams of marijuana.

Thomson is facing a number of charges.

The province says they stood to lose $33,246.50 in tax revenue if these cigarettes had been sold.

If convicted, Thomson faces fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment. In addition, he will face a mandatory triple tax penalty of $99,739.50.