GET THE FACTS

Working together to combat contraband tobacco in Alberta

Contraband tobacco is a major contributor of crime in Alberta.

“Contraband tobacco is becoming a mainstay of organized crime in our city” says Edmonton Police Const. Trevor Henderson in a statement. “Criminals eventually have to use city roadways to transport their illegal cargo, and that’s where we occasionally cross paths.” - Source

Contraband tobacco drains Alberta of millions in tax revenue that could go to improving vital public services for Albertans.

In 2021, investigators seized an estimated $4.5 million worth of contraband tobacco products, making it one of the largest ever on record in the province. Officials said the lost tax revenue from the products is estimated at more than $2.5 million. - Source

Provincial revenue from tobacco taxes was $755 million in Alberta in 2020. - Source

Contraband tobacco compromises consumer safety and poses health risks.

Contraband tobacco are products that don’t comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping and payment of duties and taxes.

Along with lost revenue, officials say contraband tobacco can pose health risks “as they lack regulatory controls and inspections oversight.” - Source

Why you should care

Contraband tobacco hurts the bottom line of small business owners in Alberta and is a major threat to community safety. Why should lawful and law-abiding businesses in Alberta have to compete with organized crime? 

  • Contraband cigarettes are sold without taxes, health warnings or checks of a buyer’s age. The Alberta government needs to act to keep illicit tobacco out of the hands of young people and to ensure tax revenue is not drained from the province. 

  • Independent retailers need support as they see more and more of their customers driven to buy tobacco products from the black market. Independent business owners are the backbone of the province.  

  • Contraband tobacco robs Albertans of millions of hard-earned tax dollars that could go to social programs.

  • There is a need for more penalties and stronger enforcement of illegal tobacco trafficking in Alberta or organized crime networks will continue to flourish.