Contraband cigarette trafficking operation dismantled by CPS investigation

Following a six-week investigation, five people face charges related to the trafficking of contraband cigarettes in downtown Calgary.

Between late March and mid-May, members of the police District Operations Team (DOT) investigated five people suspected of selling cigarettes in the 800 block of Third Street SE.

Investigators were able to connect the suspects to a storage locker in the 300 block of 10 Avenue SE, as well as a 2008 Jeep Patriot. Warrants were obtained for the Jeep, the suspects' residences and the storage locker .

Searches of the locker, the Jeep and three residences led officers to two additional lockers, for which warrants were obtained.

On Thursday, May 16, four men were arrested during searches in the 300 block of 10 Avenue SE, the 400 block of Ninth Avenue SE, and the 2400 block of Center Avenue NE.

The searches resulted in the seizure of 367 cartons of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $55,050,153, packs of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $3,060, as well as $3,067 in cash and a few brass knuckles.

Between Thursday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 28, investigators determined the fifth person was the supplier of cigarettes, using a 2012 Jeep Compass.

On May 28, the fifth person was arrested. A search of four different locations resulted in the seizure of 341 cartons of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $51,150, 1,837 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at approximately $27,555, $902 in cash, a BB gun and approximately five grams of methamphetamine.

“Disrupting criminal activity in our city center is essential to ensuring our public spaces remain enjoyable for all residents and visitors. Although some may argue that cigarettes cause no harm, trafficking in any contraband or illicit substance attracts more crime and social disorder. Everyone has the right to enjoy our downtown spaces without fear of criminal activity,” said Insp. Jason Bobrowich, in a press release.

Four Calgary men, aged 23 to 53, have each been charged with trafficking contraband tobacco, fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.

The fifth person, a 46-year-old Calgary resident, was charged with a single count of trafficking contraband tobacco, fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime under 5 000 and possession of methamphetamine.