Police seize 26,000 illegal cigarettes from people selling in Ottawa’s ByWard Market

Ottawa Police sign outside headquarters on Elgin St. in Ottawa. (CTV News Ottawa)

More than 26,000 illegal cigarettes were seized from people selling contraband cigarettes in Ottawa’s ByWard Market during the Labour Day long weekend, according to police.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) said officers patrolling the area of George Street and Dalhousie Street at approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday noticed “several individuals seated in camping chairs, openly selling cigarettes by the carton and by the pack to multiple people.”

“Officers engaged with the individuals and identified all parties involved,” police said in a media release.

Police seized a total of 114 cartons and 197 packs of illegal cigarettes.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and the Ministry of Finance’s Tax Compliance and Benefits Division will be conducting a follow-up investigation.

“This seizure is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade and enhance public safety in our communities,” police said. “The OPS remains committed to working closely with our partners to address these types of offences.”