RCMP Seize 1.6 Million Unstamped Cigarettes in Antigonish County

On April 26, 2026, an officer from the Antigonish County District RCMP stopped a U-Haul truck on Highway 104 near Havre Boucher, Nova Scotia, leading to the seizure of approximately 1.6 million unstamped cigarettes. The traffic stop was initiated after police observed the truck drifting in and out of its lane during proactive patrols.

The 18-year-old male driver, from Riverview, New Brunswick, was arrested at the roadside under federal excise legislation and the vehicle was seized. A detailed search of the truck uncovered a substantial quantity of unstamped tobacco products packaged in cases. The man has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Antigonish Provincial Court at a later date to face charges related to the seized contraband.

Official Incident Details

According to the RCMP, the enforcement action unfolded as follows:

• Date & Time: April 26, 2026, at approximately 4:54 p.m.
• Location of Stop: Highway 104, near Havre Boucher, in Antigonish County, Nova Scotia.
• Involved Vehicle: U-Haul truck observed veering in and out of its driving lane while an officer conducted proactive traffic patrols.
• Initial Police Action: A traffic stop was initiated due to the driving behaviour. During inspection of the vehicle, the officer noted a large volume of what appeared to be unstamped tobacco cartons.
• Arrest & Seizure: The driver was arrested under the Excise Act, and the U-Haul truck was seized by police.
• Search Results: A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 160 cases of unstamped cigarettes, estimated at roughly 1.6 million individual cigarettes.
• Driver Information: 18-year-old man from Riverview, New Brunswick (name not released in the official report).
• Court Process: The driver was released from custody on conditions and is required to attend Antigonish Provincial Court on a future date.
• Anticipated Charges:
  • Offences under the federal Excise Act related to unstamped/untaxed tobacco products.
  • Offences under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act connected to provincial tobacco taxation and regulation.
• Investigating Agencies:
  • Antigonish County District RCMP
  • Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division, which is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
• RCMP File Number: 2026-545328

This seizure contributes to broader enforcement efforts in and around the Antigonish County region. For residents who wish to understand local trends, you can review regional crime patterns and public safety indicators through resources such as the Antigonish, Nova Scotia crime statistics and safety data and surrounding area profiles like Antigonish, Subd. A crime statistics.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, large seizures of unstamped or contraband cigarettes are more than just tax and regulatory issues—they often intersect with broader organized criminal activity, illegal distribution networks, and the underground cash economy. These activities can indirectly support other offences and undermine legitimate local businesses in Nova Scotia.

Community members play an important role in reducing the market for contraband tobacco. If you notice vehicles making unusual late-night deliveries, observe large quantities of tobacco products changing hands in non-retail settings, or are offered cigarettes at prices that seem far below normal retail cost, it may be a sign of illegal distribution. When it is safe to do so, documenting details such as vehicle descriptions, licence plates, dates, times, and locations can be valuable. Reports should be made directly to local police or to Crime Stoppers, where available in your area. Staying informed about regional crime patterns and supporting lawful businesses are key steps in keeping communities across Nova Scotia safer and more resilient.

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Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.