A Calgary man is facing multiple charges after Lloydminster RCMP say officers seized an estimated $6 million worth of unstamped cigarettes during a traffic stop on a semi-truck in the city.
Police say the stop happened Feb. 22, 2026, on 44 Street, west of 50 Avenue, in Lloydminster.
RCMP say the lone male driver was unable to provide the required documentation for his load, prompting officers to inspect the trailer.
Mounties say the trailer contained 24 pallets with an estimated 48,000 cartons of contraband tobacco, containing approximately 7,200,000 unstamped cigarettes.
Police estimate the retail value at more than $6 million and say more than $2 million in taxes were subverted.
RCMP say the semi-truck, trailer and its load were seized as part of the investigation.
A 62-year-old man, identified by police as Mubarak Khan of Calgary, Alta., was arrested at the scene.
He is charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and unlawful possession of tobacco products under the Excise Act.
Khan was held in custody and is scheduled to appear March 3, 2026, in Lloydminster Provincial Court.
“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford, operations NCO with Lloydminster RCMP.
“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.”
Anyone with information about criminal activity is asked to contact the Lloydminster RCMP detachment at 780-808-8400. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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