In a massive bust highlighting the ongoing battle against contraband tobacco, Saskatchewan law enforcement intercepted a truck carrying a staggering 9.3 million illegal cigarettes. The seizure, which occurred during a routine check stop, represents one of the largest of its kind in the province and underscores a significant loss in tax revenue.
A Midnight Interception on Highway 16
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, November 14, 2025. According to police, a truck initially drove straight through a check stop on Highway 16 near Langham, Saskatchewan. The vehicle was pursued and pulled over a few kilometres later by officers from the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol.
The truck was then escorted to the Langham weigh scale for a thorough inspection. It was there that officers made the stunning discovery: the vehicle was packed with 24 pallets of unstamped tobacco, totaling an estimated 9.3 million individual cigarettes.
Significant Tax Loss and Charges Laid
The financial impact of the illegal shipment is substantial. Police officials stated that the proper taxes on this volume of tobacco were completely evaded. Yorkton RCMP Corporal Aaron Gullacher confirmed that “the estimated total tax being evaded is over $4.4 million.” This figure is based on current provincial and federal tax rates.
The driver, identified as a 24-year-old man from Brampton, Ontario, was arrested at the scene. He was transported to Saskatoon and made a court appearance on the following Monday. He now faces multiple charges for possession of unstamped tobacco under the Criminal Code, the Tobacco Tax Act, and the Excise Act.
A Clear Warning from Law Enforcement
The operation was a coordinated effort, involving 23 officers from four different agencies. Superintendent Grant St. Germaine of Saskatchewan RCMP traffic services used the bust to send a blunt message to those considering moving illegal goods through the province: “Stay off our roads.”
This seizure is a stark reminder of the scale of the illicit tobacco trade in Canada and the concerted efforts by law enforcement to combat it. The successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in tackling significant financial crimes that deprive governments of vital public revenue.
