A Calgary man is being held in custody after Lloydminster RCMP seized over 7 million unstamped cigarettes from a semi-truck.

On February 22nd, officers stopped a semi-truck and trailer on 44 Street, west of 50 Avenue, in Lloydminster. The lone male driver could not provide the required documentation for his load, and an investigation took place.

Officers say they located 24 pallets, with an estimated 48,000 cartons of contraband, containing about 7,200,000 unstamped cigarettes. RCMP the estimated retail value of this haul is over 6 million dollars, and over 2 million in subverted taxes.

Now, 62-year-old Mubarak Khan is in court next Tuesday charged with Fraud over $5,000, Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Unlawful possession of tobacco products (Excise Act).

In a news release, Sgt. Christopher Byford, Operations NCO Lloydminster RCMP said, “Criminal activity undermines legitimate businesses and is often linked to organized crime. Lloydminster RCMP work with provincial and federal partners to combat contraband trafficking and other crime.”