When legal sales are displaced, the enforcement bill does not disappear. Taxpayers can be left funding inspections, investigations, and court work while unlawful sellers avoid the tax base.
AGLC reported that first-half 2026 tobacco enforcement in Alberta involved more than 39 investigations and seizures of more than 225,000 cartons of cigarettes, with an estimated $13.5 million in provincial tax avoidance.
39+AGLC-led investigations reported
$13.5MEstimated provincial tax avoidance
Public costMore enforcement when illegal supply grows