West Shore RCMP Seizes Record Contraband Tobacco

Kory McDonald from Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. urged Ontario's Standing Committee on Finance to ban online promotion of illegal tobacco, citing a report revealing that contraband tobacco constitutes up to 50% of the market in Ontario, causing significant tax revenue losses. This illegal trade supports organized crime and poses public safety risks. In a related incident, West Shore RCMP seized a record 17,100 cartons of contraband cigarettes, valued at over $1.7 million, during a raid on a Langford residence. The investigation into this seizure is ongoing with no arrests made yet, highlighting the link between illicit tobacco and organized crime. Authorities are calling for public assistance in reporting suspicious activities related to this trade. The contraband tobacco issue continues to be a pressing concern for both law enforcement and public health officials.