A 33-year-old Edmonton man has been charged after police seized 100 kilograms of tobacco and 20 kilograms of khat, a plant containing a mild stimulant.
“Selling untaxed tobacco is a type of illegal trafficking and can contribute to other forms of crime,” Sgt Colin Simpson of Edmonton’s hospitality policing unit said in a news release. “Seizures of these illegal substances undoubtedly helps to keep our communities safe.”
The khat had a total estimated street value of $36,000, police said. The tobacco represented approximately $51,000 in uncollected provincial and federal taxes.
The man is charged with fraud over $5,000, three counts of selling untaxed tobacco, possession for purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime.
Read more at CBC News
