Police have charged two people following a crackdown on illegal cigarettes and cannabis at a downtown Ottawa retailer. Ottawa police say officers executed a search warrant at a business in the 200 block of Bank Street on Oct. 15. According to a news release, a search led to the seizure of more than 54,000 cigarettes, 52 vapes, more than 4,800 nicotine pouches and loose, unpackaged tobacco. An unspecific amount of Canadian cash, cellphones and tablets was also taken. A 35-year-old is facing charges for selling unstamped and unpackaged tobacco, possession of proceeds of crime and obstructing a police officer. A 44-year-old is wanted in connection with the same offences but has not been charged at this time. Police say an investigation is ongoing. Last week, an Ottawa woman was charged for selling thousands of illegal cigarettes and cannabis products from a shop on Catherine Street.
