One of two people charged following the seizure of thousands of dollars-worth of illegal cigarettes in Whitecourt this summer has been sentenced to a fine.
Bradley Richard Ingersoll, 33, of Whitecourt, was given a $2,400 fine after pleading guilty to sell/offer for sale/possess unstamped tobacco, in Whitecourt Court of Justice Oct. 28, 2025. Two other counts against him were withdrawn.
It was on Aug. 7, 2025, while conducting a curfew check, a Whitecourt RCMP officer observed possible contraband tobacco at a residence in Whitecourt. Further investigation, assisted by Whitecourt General Investigation Section (GIS), confirmed the information and revealed another person involved.
On Aug. 9, 2025, Mounties say search warrants were then executed, resulting in a total of 27 contraband master cases being recovered. In total, over 270,000 contraband cigarettes were seized, with an estimated value of $67,500.
Dustin Swanson, 44, of Whitecourt, was charged with failure to comply with order, possession of unstamped tobacco with the purpose of selling (criminal code and excise act), and possession of stolen property.
Bradley Ingersoll, meantime, was originally charged with possession of stolen property and possession of unstamped tobacco with the purpose of selling (criminal code and excise act).
Whitecourt RCMP’s Detachment Commander, Sergeant Matthew Clarke, advised residents following the arrests, 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.”
Swanson’s matters are next due in court in Whitecourt Court of Justice Nov. 25, 2025.
Related: Whitecourt RCMP curfew check leads to illegal tobacco seizure
