Northeast Traffic Services-Cape Breton vehicle check leads to significant tobacco seizure
An early morning wellbeing check by Northeast Traffic Services-Cape Breton resulted in the seizure of over a million unstamped cigarettes.
On March 7 at approximately 7:00 a.m., an RCMP officer from Northeast Traffic Services-Cape Breton (NETS-CB) observed a Mercedes van parked at a gas station on Hwy. 125 near Membertou. A person appeared to be slumped over the steering wheel. The officer was concerned for their safety and possible impairment.
Through speaking with the driver and their observations, the officer no longer suspected impairment. While speaking with the driver, the officer observed illegal contraband in plain view in the cab of the van. The driver was arrested for an offence related to the Excise Act and an initial look into the vehicle incidental to arrest suggested there were packages of unstamped tobacco in the back of the vehicle.
During a subsequent execution of a search warrant on the van, officers located 160 cases of illegal tobacco. It is believed to total approximately 1.6 million cigarettes.
The driver, a 51-year-old woman from Peterborough, Ontario, will face charges under the Criminal Code, the Excise Act, and the Nova Scotia Revenue Act. She was released by police on conditions pending a future court appearance scheduled for June.
The investigation is being supported by Cape Breton Regional Police Service (CBRPS) and enforcement officers from Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division. NETS-CB is an integrated unit consisting of police officers from the RCMP and CBRPS.
-RCMP traffic stop leads to arrest and cannabis product seizure
RCMP Metro Traffic Services has arrested a man for offences under the Cannabis Act following a traffic stop in Fall River.
On March 7, at approximately 10:35 a.m., an officer was proactively patrolling Hwy. 102 and stopped a southbound Ford F150 near Fall River. As the driver produced his documents, the officer observed illegal cannabis products inside the vehicle.
The driver, a 26-year-old man from Truro, was arrested and the vehicle was searched. A quantity of illegal cannabis, bound for an illegal storefront, was seized.
The driver is facing a Criminal Code charge of Possession of Proceeds of Crime and four charges under the Cannabis Control Act:
- Possession of Cannabis Over 30 Grams
- Possession of Illicit Cannabis
- Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution
- Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
He was released and is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court at a later date.
The Nova Scotia RCMP reminds residents that the only licensed cannabis retailer in the province is the NSLC. Products from illegal storefronts are unregulated and may pose health risks. The RCMP continues to enforce cannabis laws with a focus on public safety. Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers.
