Four individuals are facing charges and possible jail time after a joint task force effort found illegal tobacco and cannabis products in three Winnipeg stores.

Manitoba's Finance Taxation Special Investigations Unit and the Winnipeg Police Service say the three stores were owned by the same four individuals.

It is illegal to sell tobacco products that are not marked for Manitoba tax purposes and cannabis sales must be regulated by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. 

One individual is facing $33,949 in fines, while the three others are facing charges up to $10,000 for possession of the illegal tobacco products. The individuals could also be jailed for up to six months each.

The total tax loss for the government would have been $8,600.

The retail locations were the product was being sold is facing a possible suspension and revocation of their tobacco dealer licence. Separate charges for the selling of cannabis will be carried out by the Winnipeg Police Service.