RCMP officers examine a semi-truck and trailer on Nov. 18, 2025, in Lloydminster, Alta., after a traffic stop led to the seizure of approximately 8.8 million unstamped cigarettes worth an estimated $7.65 million. (Screenshot/Alberta RCMP)

By battlefordsNOW staff

CRIME

Plea expected in Lloydminster $7.6M tobacco bust

Jan 7, 2026 | 3:29 PM

A Surrey, B.C. man charged in connection with the seizure of millions of contraband cigarettes in Lloydminster is scheduled to return to court next month.

Court records show Gurjant Singh is set to appear on Feb. 3 in Lloydminster provincial court, where he is expected to a plea.

The matter was last before the court on Jan. 6, when the case was adjourned to allow the defence time to obtain and review disclosure. The accused was not present at that appearance, and the defence appeared remotely.

Singh is charged following a Nov. 18, 2025 traffic stop conducted by the Lloydminster RCMP, which led to the seizure of approximately 8.8 million unstamped tobacco cigarettes with an estimated street value of $7.65 million.

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Police said officers stopped a semi-truck travelling along 44 Street in Lloydminster in the early morning hours. After the driver was unable to provide the required documentation for the load he was hauling, an inspection of the trailer took place, and officers later obtained a search warrant to search the truck and trailer.

RCMP said the semi-truck, trailer and the contents of its load were seized as part of the investigation.

Singh was arrested and charged with several offences under the Criminal Code, the Excise Act and the Alberta Tobacco Tax Act, including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, unlawful possession of tobacco products, possession of proceeds of crime, possession of more than 1,000 cigarettes and importing tobacco into Alberta.

He was later released from police custody with conditions.

“This seizure represents a significant disruption to the illegal tobacco trade,” Sgt. Christopher Byford said in a statement at the time, adding contraband operations undermine legitimate businesses and are often linked to organized crime.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com