West District officers seize contraband tobacco, cash, and vehicle: C26-227927

Released: September 14, 2026 at 9:01 a.m.

Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider if engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

A 27-year-old man is facing tobacco trafficking-related charges after West District Community Support Unit officers seized unstamped cigarettes, cash, and a vehicle during proactive patrols in the St. James area.

On September 10, 2026, at approximately 1:15 p.m., officers were in the 1400 block of Portage Avenue when they observed a 27-year-old man transferring boxes from a 2019 Land Rover into another vehicle.

Officers recognized the boxes as contraband tobacco and observed a large quantity of cash inside the Land Rover. Their investigation revealed that the other involved individual had purchased the unstamped cigarettes.

Officers took the 27-year-old into custody and seized 175 cartons of unstamped cigarettes, $3,750 CAD in currency, and the 2019 Land Rover.

The 27-year-old is facing charges of:

  • Trafficking in Contraband Tobacco
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
  • Possess More Than 25 Units of Unmarked Tobacco (The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act)

He was released on an Appearance Notice.

The investigation is continuing.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.