Tickets issued after raids at five illegal cannabis stores: N.S. RCMP

A gram of cannabis is seen Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Brookline, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Police issued tickets and seized products following raids on Indigenous-owned cannabis stores in northeast Nova Scotia last week.

Officers conducted the raids under the Cannabis Control Act in the following areas last Tuesday:

• the 5300 block of Mountain Road in Eskasoni
• the 12100 block of Highway 4 in Potlotek
• the 1-100 block of Petow Loop in Paq’tnkek
• the 9000 block of Highway 105 in Waycobah
• the 3500 block of Highway 303 in Conway

The RCMP says officers seized cannabis, hash, shatter, and various tobacco and nicotine products.

“Some of the cannabis seized was packaged to resemble everyday consumer products such as candy. This style of packaging isn’t legal and increases the risk that children could accidentally consume the cannabis,” reads a Monday news release from the force.

Six people who police say were at the stores at the time were charged for operating a store that sells cannabis.

The amounts of their summary offence tickets will be determined in court.

Police say three people were also issued appearance notices for offences under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act involving illegal tobacco.

The investigations remain ongoing.

RCMP officers also went to a store in the 3100 block of Highway 12 in Weltons Landing on Thursday.

Police found it had closed and no illegal product was found.

Membertou Chief responds

Chief Terry Paul of Membertou First Nation said the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia have a treaty right to grow and sell unregulated cannabis in a statement Tuesday night.

“Let us be clear that the Mi’kmaq have a collective treaty right to the sale of cannabis. We have the right to self-determination in our communities. We govern our people, lands, and priorities -- not the province,” Paul said.

Justice Minister Scott Armstrong said he disagrees with Paul’s stance.

“I have the utmost respect for Chief Paul. I think he’s a fantastic leader. We’re going to differ on this,” he said Wednesday.

In December, Armstrong called on all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting illegal operations and distribution networks.

He said he’d “be open to meeting” with Paul and any other First Nation chiefs after the sitting of the legislature wraps up.

With files from The Canadian Press

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