As a result of continued investigation into a traffic stop from last weekend, another substantial seizure of illegal tobacco products has been made by members of the Saskatoon Police Service VICE Unit following the execution of two search warrants.
On June 6, 2023, police conducted a traffic stop in the 1900 block of Kenderdine Road on a vehicle being operated by a man suspected of trafficking illegal tobacco products. He was arrested without incident and a search of the vehicle found illegal tobacco products and articles consistent with trafficking inside. Shortly after, a search warrant was executed at an address in the 200 block of Epp Place. As a result of investigation, police seized;
- Over 500,000 illegal cigarettes
- 2010 Lexus RX350
- 2010 Jeep Patriot
- $24,624 CAD
A second search warrant was executed on June 7, 2023, by the VICE Unit, at a residence in the 100 block of Fairbrother Court where investigators seized an additional approximately 450,000 cigarettes.
The 59-year-old Saskatoon man has been charged with Trafficking in tobacco and Possession of the Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000. A fine in the amount of $34,487.60 has been withdrawn; the fine amount will now be determined by the court. This is the largest seizure of illegal tobacco products made by the Saskatoon Police Service. The investigation is ongoing.
Additional photos of the seizure can be found on the SPS Facebook page.
