Canadian border agents seized more than $2 million in illegal cigarettes that were sent from China and labelled as “electric fans,” according to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
CBSA said the shipment was flagged for examination on Sept. 15 at the Burnaby Container Examination Facility based on information received by law enforcement from the United States and China.
The value of the contraband seized was more than $2.2 million, and the amount of duties and taxes evaded on the shipment was $2.5 million.
“In addition to damaging the Canadian economy, profits from illegal tobacco trade often help finance other organized crime activities, such as human trafficking, firearms and drug smuggling,” CBSA said.
The agency added that all offenders were liable to “sanctions and legal proceedings.”
Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said the top priority was the safety and security of communities.
“The money smugglers make from selling contraband goods like the cigarettes seized in Burnaby is fuel for organized crime,” Anandasangaree said.
He added that he had “seen the work of our CBSA officers up close” and wanted to thank them for protecting borders and “ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Nina Patel, CBSA regional director general for the Pacific region, said the agency works hard to intercept contraband at the borders.
“The efforts of our border services officers, intelligence officers and investigators have disrupted illegal trade, which harms our communities and local businesses,” Patel said.
The announcement comes just days after Anandasangaree said the federal government would be spending $617.7 million over five years to hire and train 1,000 new CBSA officers.
He said the agents “will do critical work at our borders,” adding they would ensure “smooth movement of people and goods” while stopping illegal goods, weapons, and drugs.
Anandasangaree said the government was also increasing the training stipend for CBSA from $125 a week to $525 a week. He said the stipend had not changed since 2005 and it was time for a “boost.”
The government said it was also reforming the Public Service Superannuation Act, which governs the Public Service Pension Plan. the new funding will allow CBSA officers to retire after 25 years of service without reducing their pension regardless of their age. The funding will also be available for first responders like firefighters and paramedics.
