Illegal Vape Products Seized in New Waterford

More illegal vape products have been taken off the streets of Nova Scotia following an investigation by the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services’ compliance and special investigations unit.

On October 6 in New Waterford, a 36-year-old man was apprehended and found in possession of 733 bottles of flavoured e-juice totalling over 54,000 millilitres (54 litres) and valued at $34,500. He was arrested and the illegal products seized.

“Vaping can be harmful to your health, particularly for our youth,” said Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services Minister Colton LeBlanc. “The seizure we announced today is an example of how our compliance officers are working together with police to help protect our youth and keep illegal products off our streets.”

The estimated provincial tax value of the seizure is $27,000.

Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, through its audit and enforcement section of the alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division, worked with Cape Breton Regional Police on the investigation.

The man is scheduled to appear in court on November 24 to face charges under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act, Excise Act 2001, and Criminal Code.

Since January 1, 2021, Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services’ compliance and special investigations unit has conducted 25 seizures and seized 380,000 ml (380 litres) of illegal e-juice with a retail value of about $545,000. A large amount of this product was flavoured with high levels of nicotine which is attractive to youth.

Anyone with information about the sale and manufacturing of illegal vape or tobacco products is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Quick Facts:

• on April 1, 2020, Nova Scotia became one of the first provinces to announce measures to address vaping and the only province to announce a full flavour ban
• Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, through its audit and enforcement section of the alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division, is responsible for reducing illegal vape and tobacco products in Nova Scotia by working with its law enforcement partners, and through education and enforcement

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotians can get help quitting smoking and vaping by contacting Tobacco Free Nova Scotia at https://tobaccofree.novascotia.ca/, calling 811 or speaking with their primary-care provider or pharmacist

Information about the risks of vaping: https://novascotia.ca/vaping/

Crime Stoppers: https://crimestoppers.ns.ca/