Saskatchewan RCMP: on duty in your community - Monday, January 1 to Sunday, January 7, 2023, inclusive

January 9, 2024
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

News release

Images

12.5 pallets of unstamped cigarettes.
12.5 pallets of unstamped cigarettes.
An unknown male

Please note all information below occurred within the time period above, unless otherwise noted.

Saskatchewan RCMP - Your Provincial Police Service

Investigative Recap

January 2: Do you have information about this Nipawin assault?

January 2: Shaunavon RCMP investigating a break and enter and ATM theft in Shaunavon

January 3: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes has seen a 50% increase in the number of homicides in the last 5 years

January 3: Wadena RCMP investigating nine break and enters in Wadena and surrounding communities

January 3: At approximately 10:27 a.m., Melfort RCMP received a report of several break and enters that occurred in Melfort sometime between the evening of January 2 and the morning of January 3.

An unknown male broke into multiple storage buildings and sheds belonging to businesses on the southeast side of Melfort. It is unknown what items were stolen.

A photo of the male suspect is attached and investigators are asking the public for assistance in identifying the individual.

Melfort RCMP continue to investigate.

Anyone with information, or who recognizes the male, should contact their local detachment immediately by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

January 4: Pierceland RCMP investigating serious assault

January 4: Coronach RCMP asks public to report whereabouts of wanted male

January 4: White Butte RCMP investigating fatal collision

January 4: Indian Head RCMP investigating break and enter in Moffat

January 5: Turtleford RCMP investigating break and enter and ATM theft in Paradise Hill

January 7: At approximately 1:00 p.m., Lumsden RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Highway #11 near Lumsden, Saskatchewan.

Lumsden RCMP observed evidence the semi was transporting illegal cigarettes. The officer searched the semi and trailer and located 12.5 pallets of unstamped cigarettes. In total, Lumsden RCMP seized approximately 356 cases of unstamped tobacco totalling 3.56 million cigarettes.

As a result of investigation, Lumsden RCMP arrested the adult male driver of the semi.

25-year-old Ajay Kumar from Edmonton, Alberta has been charged with:

  • one count, possession for the purpose of sale of tobacco product, Section 121(1), Criminal Code;
  • one count, possession of unstamped tobacco products, Section 32(1), Excise Act;
  • one count, unlawful importation of tobacco, Section 27(2) and 27(5), Tobacco Tax Act; and
  • one count, possession of unstamped tobacco, Section 11(2), Tobacco Tax Act.

Ajay Kumar is scheduled to appear in court in Regina Provincial Court on January 8, 2024.

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