The Sea to Sky RCMP-Squamish have shut down an illegal tobacco shack in the Garibaldi Estates
Spokesperson for the RCMP Const. Kelly Wu said a “shipping container” full of tobacco products was seized as part of an ongoing investigation last week.
“On Aug. 12, Sea to Sky RCMP-Squamish executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal distribution of tobacco products,” Wu told The Squamish Chief.
“During the search, investigators seized a shipping container holding more than 100,000 contraband cigarettes and other unstamped and counterfeit tobacco products.”
The provincial government website states that the sale of illegal or contraband tobacco is a crime that can come with serious penalties.
Contraband tobacco is described as tobacco products that “are not properly stamped or marked” or “legal tobacco products that are purchased or sold illegally.”
Penalties for being involved in illegal tobacco activities include:
- Suspension or cancellation of any tobacco tax permit you may possess
- Forfeiture of your tobacco products
- Fines of 3 times the tobacco tax, up to $50,000
- Up to 2 years of imprisonment
As the matter remains under investigation, the RCMP were unable to provide the Squamish Chief with further details about the incident.
