Illegal cigarette seizure in Edmonton largest in AGLC history

Some packages of the 148,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes seized by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis in Edmonton in June 2026 are seen in this undated photo. (Source: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis)

More than 30 million illegal cigarettes were found by authorities at a commercial property in Edmonton in June, constituting the largest contraband tobacco seizure ever made by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

The AGLC and Edmonton Police Service executed several search warrants on multiple people between June 18 and 23.

In total, they seized 148,000 cartons – or 31.6 million cigarettes – with a retail value of $29 million.

The products also represent a provincial tax avoidance of $9.4 million, according to the AGLC.

In a separate investigation into one person, the AGLC seized $859,000 worth of illegal cigarettes from a home, retail store and storage lockers in Morinville last month.

Criminal charges are pending in both cases, the agency said.

So far this year, the AGLC has seized 45 million illegal cigarettes representing a provincial tax avoidance of $13.5 million. The amount is nearing the total for 2024-25, when 240,500 cartons were seized, representing $14.4 million in avoided taxes.