Description of Seizures: Ministry of Finance with the assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team conducted an investigation which resulted in the seizure of 60,192,000 grams (528 boxes) of unmarked fine cut tobacco. The investigation is ongoing with multiple parties to be charged with offences under the Tobacco Tax Act.
| Date | Location | Seized |
| May 9 and 11, 2023 | Port Dover | 60,192,000 grams of unmarked fine cut tobacco |
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.
- Since June 2018, Ontario recorded 649 Tobacco Tax Act convictions yielding fines of more than $5.4 million, 66 jail terms, 64 probation terms, and 5 community service terms.
- The Ministry of Finance offers local law enforcement agencies a grant program to support tobacco investigations within their jurisdiction. Contact TEGP@ontario.ca for more information.