More than 8.4 million contraband cigarettes were seized by provincial authorities during recent traffic stops in Brant and Haldimand counties, the OPP announced Wednesday.
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The 8,422,800 contraband cigarettes are equivalent to just over 842 cases, the OPP said in a statement released Wednesday.
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On April 22, authorities stopped a vehicle in Haldimand County and seized two cases and 14 cartons of unmarked cigarettes. A 62-year-old St. Catharines man has been charged with Tobacco Tax Act (TTA) offenses.
Provincial authorities then stopped a vehicle in Brant County on April 25 and seized 42,000 cartons (840 cases) of unmarked cigarettes. A 40-year-old Brantford man has been charged with Tobacco Tax Act offences.
Police said a trailer was impounded as a result of the Brant County stop.
The seizures were done by the Haldimand OPP, Ministry of Finance investigators, the Highway Safety Division and Traffic Incident Management Enforcement.
“The successful outcome of this collaborative initiative highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating the illicit tobacco trade and protecting public health and safety,” said the release. “The Ministry of Finance and partnering agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to enforce tobacco taxation laws and prevent the flow of contraband tobacco products in our communities.”
The sixteen cigarettes represent a total of $2,952,275 in lost provincial and federal tax revenue.
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