Illegal Tobacco Seizure

More illegal tobacco has been taken off the streets of Nova Scotia following an investigation by Service Nova Scotia's Compliance and Special Investigations Unit.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, a 69-year old Middle Sackville man was arrested with more than 50,000 illegal cigarettes. A vehicle and tobacco were seized and the man is facing charges under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, the Excise Act 2001, and the Criminal Code. After a brief court appearance he was released and ordered to appear again on Feb. 16.

The seized tobacco has a tax value of $13,870 in provincial taxes and $10,584 in federal taxes.

The Service Nova Scotia Compliance and Special Investigations Unit were assisted in this investigation by the RCMP and the Halifax Regional Police.

Service Nova Scotia, through its Audit and Enforcement section, is responsible for reducing illegal tobacco in the province by working with its law enforcement partners and through education and enforcement.

Since 2006-07 the amount of illegal tobacco in the province has decreased from 30 per cent of all tobacco consumed to less than 10 per cent.

Anyone with information regarding the sale and manufacturing of illegal tobacco is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers.

Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced. If a seizure of illegal tobacco is made based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash reward.