Whitecourt RCMP curfew check leads to illegal tobacco seizure

Aug 11, 2025 | 2:44 PM

Over $67,000 of illegal cigarettes were seized by Whitecourt RCMP on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Mounties were conducting a curfew check on Thursday, Aug. 7 and noticed possible contraband at a residence.

With help from the Whitecourt General Investigation Section (GIS), an investigation was conducted, confirming the information and revealing another suspect.

A search warrant was executed two days later, resulting in over 270,000 illegal cigarettes seized by RCMP.

Photo Courtesy Whitecourt RCMP

Forty-four-year-old Dustin Swanson and 33-year-old Bradley Ingersoll, both of Whitecourt, had a combined five charges laid, including possession of unstamped tobacco with the purpose of selling.

The pair were brought before a justice of the peace with Ingersoll being released, while Swanson was remanded; a court date has been set for tomorrow (Aug. 12).

Whitecourt RCMP’s Detachment Commander, Sergeant Matthew Clarke, advised residents to be mindful where they purchase their tobacco.

“We want to be sure that those who deal in illegal goods are held accountable and do not wish to have members of our community unknowingly purchase those illegal goods.”

by Tanner Smith