Contraband cigarettes seized in Nipigon

NIPIGON – A 71-year-old is facing charges after Nipigon OPP seize more than 11,000 cartons of unmarked cigarettes.

According to an Ontario Provincial Police release, officers stopped on eastbound vehicle on Dec. 17 just before 4:30 p.m. for a Highway Traffic Act offense on Highway 11/17 in Nipigon Township.

As a result of the traffic stop, 11,900 cartons of unmarked cigarettes were seized and a quantity of Canadian currency.

A 71-year-old of Grenfell, SK has been charged with trafficking in contraband tobacco, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of unmarked cigarettes and possession of unmarked cigarettes for the purpose of sale.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in Nipigon Ontario Court on Feb. 8.