The province is cracking down on illegal tobacco.
Enforcement officers laid a record number of charges in 2024 as seizures are up.
Service Nova Scotia minister Jill Balser was asked if it’s because there’s more illegal tobacco in the province.
“Our focus is making sure that we’re doing our part. If seizures are increasing, that’s a reflection of the work that’s being done. We want to continue working with RCMP to do our due diligence on this,” said Balser after cabinet meetings Thursday.
When asked if contraband and a drop in smoking is contributing to less tobacco tax revenue, Balser believes it’s a combination of both.
One of the most recent seizures was in Shelburne County on April 10, where over 60-thousand unstamped cigarettes were found.