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 Saturday, Sept. 9, during a traffic stop near Oxford, Cumberland County, two men from Glace Bay were found in possession of more than 70,000 illegal cigarettes. The vehicle was seized and the men arrested. The tobacco has a tax value of $19,264 in provincial taxes and $14,700 in federal taxes. The Cumberland District RCMP assisted Service Nova Scotia with the investigation.

The men are scheduled to appear in Amherst Provincial Court on Nov. 27 to face charges under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, Excise Act 2001 and Criminal Code.

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.

Source: Release