Illegal tobacco investigation results in charges and seizures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 25, 2026   8:52 a.m. 

(Ottawa) — Two Ottawa residents are facing charges following an Ottawa Police Service (OPS) investigation into the alleged sale of illegal tobacco products.

In March 2026, members of West Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) launched an investigation after receiving a community complaint regarding the alleged sale of illegal cigarettes and other tobacco products.

On May 21, 2026, officers executed the warrant without incident on Woodfield Drive.

As a result of the search, officers seized:

• 346 cartons of illegal cigarettes
• A quantity of shisha tobacco
• More than $17,000 in Canadian currency believed to be proceeds of crime

A man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, both of Ottawa, were each charged with:

• Selling tobacco products and raw leaf tobacco
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The investigation remains ongoing.

If you witness suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, make a police report online or phone our Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.

Remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.

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CONTACT: 
Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366