What's being called a "Cigarette Seizure" by local authorities has resulted in charges against three people. 

According to the Moose Jaw Police Service, our local department along with help from the Assiniboia RCMP, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods and Saskatchewan Finance Enforcement Officers coordinated a joint operation regarding the acquisition, possession and distribution of illegal or unstamped cigarettes. 

Last Tuesday during a vehicle stop, officers conducted a "subsequent search warrant" resulting in the discovery of 618,000 illegal cigarettes and roughly 68 pounds of loose tobacco. 

Following the search officials charged 74-year-old Eugene Rivard, 69-year-old Elizabeth Rivard, and 58-year-old Samuel Crook, all of whom live in Assiniboia. 

"The Moose Jaw Police would like to remind anyone who is using unstamped tobacco that it is illegal to possess. The illegal tobacco trade is unregulated and ultimately supports organized crime. This tobacco also gives people — especially young people — easier access to cigarettes and takes millions of tax dollars away from public services, like education and health care."

The Police Service estimate all the goods obtained during the seizure total of around $115,000. 

The trio accused in the matter is set to appear in court on May 27th after being released on a recognizance.