Authorities have made one of the largest seizures of illegal smokes in Alberta history..“An investigation by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) led to the seizure of an estimated $4.5 million dollars of contraband tobacco,” said the AGLC in a Thursday release..“The seizure represents one of the largest recorded in Alberta history. The total potential lost tax revenue is estimated to be more than $2.5 million dollars.”.The AGLC said — in conjunction with Calgary police and the RCMP — it raided a warehouse in Calgary to seize the smokes..Ali Al-Hameedawi, of Red Deer, and Husham Hakeem, of Calgary, are each charged with trafficking in contraband tobacco and fraud over $5,000..They are scheduled to appear in Calgary provincial court on August 26..The AGLC said contraband tobacco:.is any tobacco product that does not comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping and payment of duties and taxes;comes from four main sources: illegal manufacturers, counterfeits, tax-exempt diversions and resale of stolen legal tobacco; andcan be recognized by the absence of a red (Alberta) or peach/light tan (Canada) stamp bearing the “DUTY PAID CANADA DROIT ACQUITTÉ” on packages of cigarettes and cigars or pouches of tobacco. .In 2020-21, provincial revenue from tobacco taxes was $755 million..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
