Province Seizes 15,100 Unmarked Cigarettes
Date of Seizure: January 11, 2019
Location of Seizure: Toronto, Ontario
Description of Seizure: Ministry of Finance investigators seized 15,100 unmarked cigarettes. One person has been charged under the Tobacco Tax Act.
Background: As a result of an investigation, the ministry stopped and searched a vehicle and discovered 15,100 unmarked cigarettes. The cigarettes were seized and Tobacco Tax Act charges were laid.
Quick Facts
- Cigarettes sold in cartons or packages without Ontario’s yellow stamp are illegal, subject to certain exceptions.
- Cigarettes sold in clear plastic bags are illegal, as is engaging in the tobacco business without the required permits.
- In addition to court-imposed fines for contraventions of the Tobacco Tax Act, convicted individuals and businesses may be required to pay civil penalties.
- From April 2017 to March 2018 Ontario recorded 172 Tobacco Tax Act convictions yielding fines of more than $2.8 million, 22 jail terms, 12 probation terms and two community service terms.