Ontario seizes over 7.9 million unmarked cigarettes and untaxed tobacco products
Ministry of Finance enforcement operations netted a massive haul of illegal tobacco; convictions since 2020 have yielded over $6.3 million in fines.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Ontario Ministry of Finance seized over 7.9 million unmarked cigarettes and other untaxed tobacco products through recent enforcement operations, with charges filed under the Tobacco Tax Act.
Cigarettes sold without Ontario's yellow stamp are illegal, as are cigarettes sold in clear plastic bags and businesses operating without required permits.
Since January 2020, Ontario has recorded 620 Tobacco Tax Act convictions yielding fines exceeding $6.3 million, plus 43 jail terms, 96 probation terms, and 5 community service sentences. Beyond court-imposed fines, businesses and individuals face potential civil penalties.
The facts
How many unmarked cigarettes did Ontario seize in this enforcement operation?
Ontario seized over 7.9 million unmarked cigarettes and untaxed tobacco products through recent Ministry of Finance enforcement operations.
How many Tobacco Tax Act convictions has Ontario recorded since 2020?
Since January 2020, Ontario has recorded 620 Tobacco Tax Act convictions, which yielded fines exceeding $6.3 million plus 43 jail terms, 96 probation terms, and 5 community service sentences.
What makes cigarettes illegal to sell in Ontario?
Cigarettes sold without Ontario's yellow stamp are illegal, as are cigarettes sold in clear plastic bags and businesses operating without required permits.
