Province Seizes 1,360,000 Unmarked Cigarettes

March 06, 2023

Finance

Description of Seizures: Ministry of Finance investigators conducted a two-day operation on January 11 and 12, 2023, which resulted in the seizure of 1,360,000 unmarked cigarettes. Two people were charged with offences under the Tobacco Tax Act.

DateLocationUnmarked Cigarettes Seized
January 11, 2023Burlington790,000
January 12, 2023Hamilton570,000

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 596 Tobacco Tax Act convictions yielding fines of more than $5 million, 55 jail terms, 50 probation terms, and five 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.