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By Victor Kaisar

Police Seizures

RCMP say illegal cigarettes, cannabis seized during Tuesday raids at three Tk’emlups properties

May 15, 2025 | 4:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say they seized illegal cigarettes and cannabis as well as an undisclosed amount of money after a raid on three properties on Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Tuesday (May 13) morning.

In a statement Thursday, police say the seizures were part of a joint investigation into the sale of contraband tobacco, and that officers were joined by investigators from the B.C. Ministry of Finance when they descended on the three properties around 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Police say the searches at the three locations – Five Star Smoke Shop on Ricardo Road, Boomers Bud on Chief Louis Way, and a house in the 600-block of Shuswap Road – were connected to the same investigation.

“This joint project was initiated by members of our Tk’emlúps and Kamloops RCMP city detachments and carried out with the support of our Targeted Enforcement Unit due to the potential ties contraband tobacco can often have to organized crime,” Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley said.

“It’s still early in this investigation and we’re not saying there is necessarily a specific link to this ongoing investigation, but it is something we are mindful of and proactive towards in our endeavor to enforce and suppress criminal activity in our communities.”

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In the statement, RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said “multiple” bags of evidence were seized and loaded into police vehicles as part of the raids, which she said were executed without any issues. Evelyn also said one person was arrested but later released, and its not clear what, if if any, charges will be coming.

“The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is reminding residents that the possession of contraband tobacco and cannabis products is an offence under the Excise Act,” the RCMP statement said. “It also contributes to the growth of transnational organized crime and undermines public health objectives.”

Police also say people with information about illicit tobacco related offences or other crimes, should contact their nearest police agency.