Illegal Tobacco Seized in Cumberland County

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

On Saturday, June 30 in Amherst, Cumberland Co., a 41-year-old man from Clementsport and a 52-year-old women from Princedale were arrested after they were found in possession of 295,000 illegal cigarettes. The cigarettes and a vehicle were seized.

The estimated provincial tax value of the cigarettes is $81,184 and federal tax value is $61,950.

Sûreté Québec, New Brunswick Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Unit and Cumberland District RCMP assisted Service Nova Scotia with the investigation.

The pair are scheduled to appear in Amherst Provincial Court on Oct. 29 to face charges under the provincial Revenue Act, the federal Excise Act 2001 and the Criminal Code.

Since Jan. 1, 2017, the Compliance and Special Investigations Unit has seized over 2.7 million illegal cigarettes, with an estimated provincial tax value of $754,048.

Service Nova Scotia, through its Audit and Enforcement Section of the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Branch, is responsible for reducing illegal tobacco in Nova Scotia by working with its law enforcement partners, and through education and enforcement.

Service Nova Scotia's interprovincial and interagency co-operation with law enforcement partners is a valued asset, as it assists in the fight against contraband tobacco smuggling.

Anyone with information about 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 police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers qualify for a cash reward between $50 and $2,000.