Co-drivers arrested after weigh station inspection reveals ELD tampering, $2.3 million in contraband cigarettes, RCMP says

Team truck drivers were arrested after police made a “significant contraband tobacco seizure” at a weigh station in Manitoba, Canada.

At 1:40 p.m. on May 29, 2026, RCMP was notified that a Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer had discovered  781 cases of contraband tobacco within a commercial motor vehicle at the weigh station located at West Hawk Lake.

RCMP responded to the weigh station and arrested the 40-year-old male driver from Brooks, Alberta, and a co-driver, a 70-year-old male from Toronto, Ontario, for trafficking contraband tobacco.

The truck was impounded and police seized 39,050 cartons of contraband tobacco products, approximately 7,810,000 cigarettes, valued between $2,343,000 and $3,124,000.

“This inspection also resulted in five offenses for tampering with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and two for major mechanical defects, resulting in approximately $15,000 in fines,” said Chief Kevin Mantie, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement.

Charges filed against the co-drivers include Possession of contraband tobacco under the Excise Act, Possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of distribution under the Criminal Code and Possession of unstamped tobacco under the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act.

According to RCMP, the Manitoba triple tax penalty on this seizure is $0.90 per cigarette, for a triple tax fine of $7,029,000 and an additional Excise Tax (Federal) of $0.17 per cigarette for a fine of $1,327,700.

“This seizure highlights the scale of illegal tobacco trafficking and the importance of working with our provincial partners to detect and address it,” said Inspector Robert Wuskynyk, Officer in Charge, Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services. “It’s important for people to know that possessing or selling tobacco products that aren’t properly packaged and stamped is against the law. When consumers buy illegal tobacco, they are contributing to criminal activity and potentially funding organized crime.”

The investigation is ongoing.