Lloydminster RCMP have laid multiple charges after officers seized what police describe as a multi-million-dollar shipment of contraband tobacco during a traffic stop on Feb. 22.

Police said officers stopped a semi-truck and trailer on 44 Street west of 50 Avenue in Lloydminster. The lone male driver was unable to produce the required documentation for the load, prompting officers to inspect the trailer.

Investigators determined the trailer was carrying 24 pallets containing an estimated 48,000 cartons of unstamped cigarettes — roughly 7.2 million individual cigarettes. Police estimate the retail value of the tobacco at more than $6 million, with approximately $2 million in unpaid taxes.

The semi-truck, trailer and entire shipment were seized.

A 62-year-old Calgary resident, Mubarak Khan, was arrested at the scene. He faces several charges:

• Fraud over $5,000

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

• Unlawful possession of tobacco products under the Excise Act

  
  

Khan remains in custody and is scheduled to appear March 3 in Lloydminster Provincial Court.

“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford, Operations NCO with Lloydminster RCMP. “Criminal activity undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organized crime. Lloydminster RCMP work with provincial and federal partners to combat contraband trafficking and other crime.”