Two individuals were arrested by Sicamous RCMP after large amounts of nicotine products were found in their vehicle.
On Friday, March 29, a local officer working with a member of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit from Kelowna stopped a Mercedes SUV on a Motor Vehicle Act infraction. The driver and lone passenger were later arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking after officers established grounds to believe the SUV contained illegal drugs.
A search of the vehicle yielded just over 1,000 cans of flavoured nicotine pouches and 1,400 individual vape products, none of which had the required excise seal displayed on the packaging. A bag containing approximately $8,000 in cash was also located and seized.
“Police believe the suspects intended to sell the flavoured nicotine pouches to retail stores for public consumption,” Sgt. Murray McNeil said, adding that in February the provincial government restricted the pouches to be sold only by pharmacists on a non-prescription basis to ensure they’re only sold to those they’re intended for.
“This was done to stop youth from using the flavoured nicotine pouches, which can cause nicotine addiction.”
The Mercedes used to transport the contraband products was also seized as part of the investigation, while the 23-year-old male driver and 20-year old passenger were released without charge.
“Police continue to investigate the matter with potential charges under the Excise Act, with consideration of an application to Civil Forfeiture for the seized cash and vehicle,” McNeil added.
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