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 Monday, June 11 in Amherst, a 29-year-old man from Johnstown, Ontario, was apprehended and found in possession of 240,000 illegal cigarettes. He was arrested and one vehicle was seized.
The estimated provincial tax value of the cigarettes is $66,048 and federal tax value is $50,400.
The Cumberland District RCMP assisted Service Nova Scotia with the investigation.
The man was released on court documents and is scheduled to appear in Amherst provincial court on Sept. 10 to face charges under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, Excise Act 2001 and Criminal Code.
Since Jan. 1, 2017, Service Nova Scotia’s Compliance and Special Investigations Unit has conducted 25 illegal tobacco seizures, seized over 12,200 cartons of illegal cigarettes, with an estimated provincial tax value of $675,878.
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 $50.00 and $2,000.
Source: Release
