**** SERVICE NOVA Scotia Release
Illegal Vape Products Seized in Halifax Regional Municipality and Truro
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Illegal vape products have been taken off the streets of Nova Scotia following an investigation by the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services’ compliance and special investigations unit.
On November 17, with the assistance of Halifax Regional Police and Truro Police, the compliance and special investigations unit searched four VaporHub vape shop locations in Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville and Truro. They seized 51,000 millilitres (51 litres) of illegal vape juice, valued at $70,000. The illegal products consisted of flavoured vape juice, products with nicotine amounts over the legal limit, and intentionally mislabeled products.
“Keeping illegal vaping products off the streets is about keeping it out of the hands of our youth,” said Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services Minister Colton LeBlanc. “These products and nicotine addiction can have serious effects on the health of our youth and we are committed to working with law enforcement to keep it off the streets.”
The estimated provincial tax value of the seizure is $25,000.
VaporHub Inc. is scheduled to appear in court at several locations in late January to face charges under the Tobacco Access Act.
Since January 1, 2021, Service Nova Scotia and Internal Service’s compliance and special investigations unit has conducted 29 seizures and seized 430,000 ml (430 litres) of illegal e-juice with a retail value of about $605,000 and a tax value of $215,000. A large amount of this product was flavoured with high levels of nicotine which is attractive to youth.
Anyone with information about the sale and manufacturing of illegal vape or tobacco products is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Quick Facts:
— on April 1, 2020, Nova Scotia became one of the first provinces to announce measures to address vaping and the only province to announce a full flavour ban
— Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, through its audit and enforcement section of the alcohol, gaming, fuel and tobacco division, is responsible for reducing illegal vape and tobacco products in Nova Scotia by working with its law enforcement partners, and through education and enforcement
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotians can get help quitting smoking and vaping by contacting Tobacco Free Nova Scotia at https://tobaccofree.novascotia.ca/, calling 811 or speaking with their primary-care provider or pharmacist
Information about the risks of vaping: https://novascotia.ca/vaping
Crime Stoppers: https://crimestoppers.ns.ca/
