Nova Scotia RCMP say six illegal cannabis storefronts across the province were targeted last week as part of an ongoing provincial effort to crack down on unlicensed operations.
According to police, officers conducted coordinated inspections at storefronts stretching from Conway, near Digby, to Eskasoni in Cape Breton. The enforcement activity took place under the authority of the provincial Cannabis Control Act.
Five storefronts searched, products seized
In five of the six inspections, RCMP officers made seizures and laid charges.
Police say they confiscated a range of illegal items, including cannabis, hash, shatter, nicotine products, and cannabis edibles. Many of the edibles, investigators noted, were packaged to look like familiar snack foods — a practice that is not permitted under federal or provincial regulations because it increases the risk of accidental consumption by children.
In total, six people were charged for cannabis-related offences tied to the illegal sale and distribution of these products.
RCMP also say three individuals were issued notices for offences under the Nova Scotia Revenue Act related to illegal tobacco, though these were separate from the cannabis-related charges.
The sixth location inspected — a storefront in Weltons Landing — was found shuttered. RCMP say the shop had already ceased operating before they arrived, and no illegal product was discovered on-site.
Inventory and investigations ongoing
Police are still cataloguing the large quantity of seized material.
An exact count of all cannabis, derivatives, and tobacco products recovered is expected once the inventory process is complete.
The heightened enforcement comes after the province announced earlier this year that it intended to increase pressure on illegal cannabis storefronts.
Police warn that products sold through unlicensed retailers are not regulated, may be sourced from organized crime, and can pose significant health risks — especially when packaged in ways that mimic everyday consumer goods.
RCMP continue to encourage anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact police or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.
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