Whitecourt RCMP arrests two with illegal cigarettes

On Aug. 7, 2025, while conducting a curfew check, a Whitecourt RCMP officer observed possible contraband tobacco at a residence in Whitecourt. Further investigation, assisted by Whitecourt General Investigation Section (GIS), confirmed the information and revealed another person involved. On Aug. 9, 2025 search warrants were then executed, resulting in a total of 27 contraband master cases being recovered. In total, over 270,000 contraband cigarettes were seized with an estimated value of $67,500.

As a result of the investigation, Dustin Swanson (44), a resident of Whitecourt, was charged with:

• Failure to comply with order;
• Possession of unstamped tobacco with the purpose of selling (criminal code and excise act); and
• Possession of stolen property.

Furthermore, Bradley Ingersoll (33), a resident of Whitecourt, was charged with Possession of stolen property and Possession of unstamped tobacco with the purpose of selling (criminal code and excise act).

Swanson and Ingersoll were brought before a justice of the peace, with the first being remanded and the second released. They are both to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on Aug. 12, 2025.

“We are advising the public to be mindful of where and from whom they purchase their cigarettes” said S/Sgt Matthew Clarke, Detachment Commander of the Whitecourt RCMP. “We want to be sure that those who deal in illegal goods are held accountable and do not wish to have members of our community unknowingly purchase those illegal goods”.

Information provided by the Whitecourt RCMP