Seizure of Unmarked Cigarettes and Untaxed Cigars in Richmond Hill Leads to Charges

Ministry of Finance investigators seized 798,360 unmarked cigarettes and 6,560 untaxed cigars during a tobacco enforcement operation in Richmond Hill on April 22, 2025, according to a statement from the ministry. Four people were charged under the Tobacco Tax Act in connection with the operation.

The ministry stated that cigarettes sold in Ontario must display a yellow provincial stamp to be sold legally, except in certain cases. The statement also notes that selling cigarettes in clear plastic bags and conducting business in tobacco products without the required permits are both illegal under provincial law.

According to the ministry, businesses and individuals found violating the Tobacco Tax Act may face civil penalties in addition to court-imposed fines. Since January 2020, Ontario has recorded 505 convictions under the act, resulting in more than $5.4 million in fines, 33 jail terms, 78 probation terms, and five community service terms.

The Ministry of Finance reported that it offers a grant program to support local law enforcement agencies conducting tobacco investigations within their jurisdictions.