Kelowna cops seize $750,000 worth of illegal cigarettes
Kelowna RCMP recently had its largest illegal tobacco and drug seizure in years.
Police executed a search warrant in the 1700-block of Mackenzie Road, Oct. 8, according to a press release from the RCMP issued today, Oct. 16.
Officers found 7,400 cartons of illegal cigarettes, a large amount of cannabis, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, nicotine pouches and prescription drugs along with a gun.
The estimated value of the cigarettes alone is more than $750,000.
“We are seeing a growing trend of people in possession of unstamped and unregulated tobacco products,” Kelowna RCMP Sgt. Scott Powrie said in the release.
Police took a man into custody who’s suspected of being involved in selling illegal drugs and tobacco. RCMP didn’t say if he’s still in custody nor what charges he’s facing.
The illicit tobacco trade often helps fund organized crime, RCMP said.
The investigation is ongoing and RCMP said it isn’t releasing more details at this time.
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