AGLC seizes $4.5M worth of contraband tobacco in Calgary

Alberta Liquor Gaming and Cannabis says it has seized approximately $4.5 million worth of contraband tobacco products from a southeast Calgary storage facility.

The seizure is the largest in Alberta's history, according to AGLC, and it's estimated the potential lost tax revenue is $2.5 million.

AGLC said in a news release Thursday that a search warranted was executed at the storage facility by Calgary police.

"Ali Al-Hameedawi of Red Deer and Husham Hakeem of Calgary were each charged with trafficking in contraband tobacco, contrary to section 121.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada, and fraud over $5,000," reads the release.