News release
Northeast Traffic Services-Cape Breton vehicle check leads to significant tobacco seizure
March 10, 2026
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Membertou, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
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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.
File #: 2026-301289
