RCMP determined the trailer contained 24 pallets, with an estimated 48,000 cartons of contraband, containing an approximately 7,200,000 unstamped cigarettes. (Image Credit: Submitted/Alberta RCMP)

By Kenneth Cheung

BUSTED

Over $6M illegal tobacco bust leads to charges in Lloydminster

Feb 26, 2026 | 6:07 PM

A Calgary man is facing multiple charges after Lloydminster RCMP seized millions of dollars worth of illegal tobacco during a traffic stop last weekend.

Mounties said officers stopped a semi-truck with a trailer on Feb. 22 on 44 Street, west of 50th Avenue in Lloydminster. Police allege the lone driver was unable to provide required documentation for his load, prompting officers to inspect the trailer. 

The trailer contained 24 pallets carrying an estimated 48,000 cartons of contraband tobacco, amounting to roughly 7.2 million unstamped cigarettes. 

The load has an estimated retail value of more than $6 million and represents more than $2 million in evaded taxes, according to RCMP. 

Police said the semi-truck, trailer and tobacco products were seized.

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Over $6M illegal tobacco bust leads to charges in Lloydminster

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Mubarak Khan, 62, of Calgary, was arrested and 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. 

He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear next in Lloydminster provincial court on March 3. 

“This seizure represents another significant disruption to illegal tobacco contraband,” said Sgt. Christopher Byford, Operations NCO Lloydminster RCMP in a statement. 

“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.”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com