A major investigation by the Winnipeg Police Service has resulted in the seizure of approximately 3 million contraband cigarettes and the arrests of five individuals connected to an illicit smuggling operation from Ontario to Winnipeg.
The WPS says that the seized cigarettes are estimated to have a street value of $1.2 million.
The investigation, led by the Property Crime Unit and Guns & Gangs Unit, with assistance from the Major Crimes Unit, began earlier this month, focusing on the trafficking of illegal cigarettes and firearms.
Arrests and Search Operations
On December 23, officers apprehended two suspects at a hotel located in the 1400 block of Niakwa Road East. This led to three subsequent search warrants executed on a moving truck, a motorhome, and an SUV parked in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Niakwa. The vehicles were traced back to Ontario, confirming their involvement in the smuggling operation.
Three additional suspects associated with the vehicles were taken into custody during the searches, which uncovered the following items:
- Approximately 3 million contraband cigarettes
- Two firearms (a 12-gauge shotgun and a .308 rifle) with ammunition
- Two pellet guns
- Body armour
- Two-way radios
- Cell phones
The Province of Manitoba’s Taxation Special Investigation Unit was consulted regarding violations under the Retail Sales Tax and Tobacco Tax Act.
Charges Laid Against Ontario Residents
The following individuals have been charged and released on undertakings:
- Farhan Nabil, 27, of Kitchener, Ontario
- Cengizhan Soydemir, 30, of Toronto, Ontario
- Uzay Bilgin, 30, of Ontario
They face charges including:
- Trafficking in Contraband Tobacco
- Possession of Tobacco (Tobacco Tax Act)
- Use of Firearm During Commission of an Indictable Offence
- Possession of Body Armour Without a Valid Permit
Additionally, a 20-year-old male from Guelph, Ontario, and a 24-year-old male from Brampton, Ontario, were charged with:
- Trafficking in Contraband Tobacco
- Possession of Tobacco (Tobacco Tax Act)
Both were also released on undertakings.
Crackdown on Contraband and Firearms
The Winnipeg Police Service emphasized the significant public safety risks associated with contraband cigarette trafficking, particularly when linked to firearms and organized crime. Authorities continue to collaborate with provincial and federal agencies to combat the illegal tobacco trade and related criminal activity.
This investigation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by interprovincial smuggling operations and the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to ensure community safety.