On January 14, 2025, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway #11 near Lumsden. As a result of investigation, the officers observed pallets of unstamped tobacco in the semi's trailer.
They engaged Lumsden RCMP, who arrested the driver and passenger of the semi.
Further investigation led to officers seizing 24 pallets of unstamped tobacco from the trailer. A Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan officer with Regina Police Service assisted with the on-scene investigation.
"The seizure is a significant one," says Supt. Murray Chamberlin, Deputy Criminal Operations Officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP. "Through our partnership with other public safety agencies, we have been able to prevent 400,000 cigarettes – and potentially, millions of dollars – from circulating in the illegal market."
"Saskatchewan officers continue to demonstrate their dedication to addressing illegal substances, weapons, human trafficking and other types of serious and organized crime throughout the province," Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Tim McLeod said. "Thank you to our Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers and policing partners at the RCMP and Regina Police Service. This seizure is yet another demonstration of our law enforcement agencies working together to prevent crime and ensure the safety of our communities."
As a result of continued investigation, 24-year-old Rajwinder Singh from Brampton, ON is charged with:
- one count, selling tobacco/tobacco leaf product, section 121.1(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of unstamped tobacco, Section 32(1), Excise Act;
- one count, unlawfully import, acquire or take delivery of tobacco, Section 27(5), Tobacco Tax Act; and
- one count, possess unmarked tobacco, Section 11(2), Tobacco Tax Act.
He is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court on April 15, 2025.
After investigation, the passenger was released without charge.