Contraband cigarette. Image credit: Unsplash/Mathew MacQuarrie
CMEDIA: Following officers’ reported interception of numerous contraband cigarette shipments at Vancouver International Airport Commercial Operations and the Vancouver International Mail Centre, a cigarette smuggling operation was launched by The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for criminal investigators in February 2024.
Being committed to protecting Canadians, (CBSA) intercepts and investigates smuggling attempts at our borders and disrupting organized crime.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of our communities. I want to thank CBSA officers and investigators for their efforts in keeping our borders safe, holding those who violate Canadian laws accountable and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs said in today’s news release.
Following an investigation, on November 19, 2024, CBSA criminal investigators executed a search warrant at a Vancouver residence and seized following items:
3,826 cartons of contraband cigarettes
4.2 kilograms of illegal cannabis
$51,915 in cash and casino chips
A 34 year-old Vancouver resident for their suspected involvement in the cigarette smuggling operation was arrested by CBSA officers.
The investigation is ongoing.
“The CBSA works hard to intercept contraband at our borders and investigates those who break Canada’s laws. The efforts of our officers and investigators have disrupted illegal trade, which harms our communities and local businesses,” Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Pacific Region said.
