Illegal Tobacco Seized in Colchester 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 April 11 in Truro, a 55-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman from Halifax Regional Municipality were apprehended and found in possession of more than 220,400 illegal cigarettes. They were arrested and one vehicle was seized.

The seized tobacco has a tax value of $60,654 in provincial taxes and $46,284 in federal taxes. The Colchester District RCMP and Colchester Street Crime Enforcement Unit assisted Service Nova Scotia with the investigation.

The woman is scheduled to appear in Truro provincial court on June 27 to face charges under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, Excise Act 2001 and Criminal Code.

The man was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Truro provincial court today, April 12, to face charges under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, Excise Act 2001, Motor Vehicle Act 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.

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

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.