RCMP seize $30M in illegal cigarettes northwest of Edmonton in months-long investigation

Alberta RCMP have concluded a six-month investigation into illegal cigarette trafficking northwest of Edmonton, seizing 147,700 cartons of unstamped cigarettes valued at approximately $30 million retail.

The investigation began in January after reports of unstamped cigarettes being sold in the Westlock area. Undercover officers made purchases over several months from a business called The Boutique, gathering evidence for two rounds of warrant executions. On June 17 and 18, RCMP executed initial warrants and arrested a suspect, who was released on conditions.

Two additional undercover purchases in the following two months led to a second investigation. On August 26, warrants were executed in Morinville and Edmonton. On September 15, officers discovered the main storage location on a rural property in Westlock County and executed a third warrant.

Omar Saleh, 50, of Westlock, was arrested on September 15 and charged with three counts of careless use of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, and illegal sale of tobacco products. He was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Westlock provincial court on October 29.

Alongside the cigarettes, officers seized three firearms, $225,045 in Canadian cash, and two vehicles. The contraband represents nearly $10 million in deferred taxes. The source material does not indicate whether The Boutique storefront continues to operate or faces charges.