On April 30, the Wood Buffalo RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) executed a search warrant at a downtown residence in relation to an ongoing investigation. One male was located in the residence at the time of search and arrested without incident. Police located and seized over 365,000 illegal unstamped tobacco cigarettes. The estimated street value is approximately $75,000.
A 39-year-old man of Fort McMurray, is facing charges of defrauding the government, and possession of Illegal tobacco
The male, who cannot be named until an Information is sworn, was released on an Appearance Notice. He is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on June 9, 2026.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police continue to investigate the increase in illegal unstamped tobacco sales which play a key role in funding Organized Crime and Terrorism. Counterfeit cigarettes have been proven to contain numerous contaminants and higher levels of lethal chemicals compared to controlled cigarettes.
