Illegal cigarettes, $500K cash stash found in ice cream truck, RCMP say

A driver trucking a tractor-trailer full of ice cream from Ontario into Manitoba also had illegal cigarettes and $500,000 in cash aboard hidden amongthe icy treats, RCMP say.

A 51-year-old Winnipeg man was transporting a cargo ofice cream from the Greater Toronto Area to B.C. onMonday when RCMP stopped him near the outskirts of Winnipeg.

Officers inspected the truck and found cartons of illegal cigarettes and $500,000 in cash hidden amongthe cargo, RCMP said.

The man was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act, RCMP said.

"Our teams of traffic specialists in Manitoba are dedicated to improving public safety and eradicating crime on Manitoba roadways,"Insp.Ed Moreland, officer in charge ofManitoba RCMP Traffic Services, said in a statement.

"That includes bringing those who commit financial crimes in the commercial trucking industry to justice."

RCMP continue to investigate the case.