(Submitted photo/B.C. RCMP)

By Aaron Schulze

Illegal Tobacco Up in Smoke

RCMP seize 700 cartons of illegal cigarettes in Revelstoke

Mar 24, 2021 | 10:30 AM

REVELSTOKE, B.C. — A van stopped for going 150km/h on Highway 1 east of Revelstoke lead to an illegal tobacco seizure.

B.C. RCMP Traffic Services arrested two men – one in their thirties and another in their sixties – from Alberta on March 17 for trafficking contraband tobacco.

After the men were notified their van would be impounded for excessive speed, an officer noticed all the seats behind the driver were folded down and the cargo area contained numerous large boxes wrapped in white plastic.

The officer checked one of the boxes and found illegal, unstamped tobacco. Overall, RCMP said they found 14 boxes containing 700 cartons – 5,600 packs – of illegal cigarettes which totalled over $15,000.

The driver was given a ticket for excessive speed, $368 and three points, and the rental van was impounded at their expense. He was released with a future court date, while the passenger was released without charge.

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