Two HRM residents charged after $160 K in illegal tobacco seized in a traffic stop

Two HRM residents are facing charges after a traffic stop in Cape Breton led to the seizure of a large amount of illegal tobacco.

RCMP say around 4 p.m. on January 19th officers pulled over a white Ford Van that was spotted speeding.

During that stop, police learned that the driver, a 45-year-old Halifax man, was driving with a revoked licence.

Officers also say they spotted illegal cigarettes in plain view inside the vehicle. At that point, the passenger, a 32-year-old woman from Dartmouth, was also arrested.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 64 cases of unstamped tobacco, worth approximately $160,000 that investigators say was bound for Sydney. The vehicle was also seized.

The pair, later released on conditions, will face multiple charges under the Revenue Act, Excise Act, Criminal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act.

They are scheduled to appear in Sydney Provincial Court in June.