St. Paul RCMP executed two search warrants finding drugs and contraband tobacco from two local businesses.
The searches were conducted on June 7 after several month-long investigations with the assistance of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Enforcement Unit. The search of the business resulted in a seizure of the following:
- 62 illegal cartons of contraband tobacco
- 162 grams of cannabis
- 66 grams of Psilocybin Mushrooms
An employee at the Wild West Exchange was charged with the illegal sale of tobacco, possession for the purpose of trafficking drugs, possession of illicit cannabis, and distribution of over 30g of cannabis among others.
8412 contraband cigarettes and 1940 contraband cigars were seized, with a total Federal Tax Avoidance of $1736.04 and a total Provincial Tax Avoidance of $2848.80.
Cpl. Stephen Cunningham with the St. Paul RCMP says this was a great team effort by all involved in this investigation.
“Contraband tobacco takes revenue away from legitimate businesses and also tax revenue. When you buy contraband tobacco, you have no idea where it is manufactured or what it may contain”.
