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RCMP seized over 7,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes/ RCMP
By Vernon Matters Staff
$750K worth of cigarettes

Massive tobacco bust in Kelowna

Oct 16, 2025 | 5:22 PM

Kelowna RCMP are calling it one of the biggest busts of its kind in recent years.

Over 7,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes were seized at a property on McKenzie Rd, Rutland, on Wednesday Oct.8. It has a retail value of over $750,000.

Police said they are seeing a growing trend of people in possession of unstamped and unregulated tobacco products.

Large quantities of cannabis and various cannabis products, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, nicotine pouches, prescription medication, and a firearm, were also seized.

“In this case, the male taken into custody at the scene is suspected to be involved in the trafficking of illicit and illegal tobacco and drugs,” Sgt. Scott Powrie of the Crime Reduction Unit, said in a media release. The investigation continues.

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