$3.2 million in illegal cigarettes seized in Southern Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO

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On November 17, investigators from the Ministry of Revenue's special investigations branch stopped a vehicle in Toronto, believed to contain unmarked cigarettes.

Under the authority of the Tobacco Tax Act, a search of the vehicle was conducted, and 250 cartons of cigarettes believed to have counterfeit markings were seized.

Later that day, investigators stopped a vehicle in Unionville and discovered 16,100 cartons of cigarettes believed to have counterfeit markings.

The cigarettes were seized, and two individuals were charged under the Tobacco Tax Act for possessing unmarked cigarettes.

As a result of these two seizures, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at a location in Toronto.

A further 26,350 cartons of unmarked cigarettes believed to have counterfeit markings were seized.

In total, 42,700 cartons or approximately 8,540,000 unmarked cigarettes were seized, with an Ontario tobacco tax value of approximately $1,054,690 and have been removed from the streets of the Toronto area.

The estimated street value of the cigarettes is $3,202,500.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be forthcoming.

Quick facts

- In five of the last seven years, Ontario budgets have strengthened enforcement against the illegal manufacture and sale of tobacco products.

- Convictions under the Tobacco Tax Act have increased by 44 percent in fiscal 2009-10 from the previous fiscal year.

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