Revenu Québec announces that Waseem Shahzad, a resident of Laval, has been found guilty of an offence related to contraband tobacco.
He was ordered by the Court of Quebec to pay a fine of $499,385. His driver’s license was also suspended for three months.
The 42-year-old man pleaded guilty to the charge against him on November 17th at the Laval courthouse.
Waseem Shahzad was accused of possession of tobacco intended for sale, the packet of which was not identified per Article 13.1 of the Tobacco Tax Law.
This conviction stems from an investigation by the Service de poilice de Laval (SPL) which began in January 2021 and targeted Waseem Shahzad and a business he did not own.
On March 31st, 2021, the police carried out searches in a residence and an outbuilding, in a business, as well as in two vehicles used for the storage and transportation of tobacco.
837,895 kg of shisha was seized as part of the investigation.
In addition, a vehicle was confiscated, as well as $57,705 in cash.
Revenu Québec reminds people who engage in commercial activities related to tobacco products that they must hold the permits required by law.
In addition, all tobacco intended for retail sale in Québec must be identified in the manner and under the conditions prescribed by regulation.
Failure to comply with any of these obligations constitutes an offence and may result in a minimum fine of $6,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 2 years. People who buy contraband tobacco for their own consumption are exposed to a minimum fine of $350. (EB/IJL)
