Police say officers seized around $42,000 worth of illicit nicotine products during a co-ordinated effort in the B.C. Interior communities of Nelson and Castlegar. On Sept 16., Nelson RCMP, with assistance from B.C. Highway Patrol, executed a pair of search warrants at two commercial businesses as part of an investigation into contraband nicotine pouches. Investigators say many of the items seized were counterfeit nicotine products, designed to look like popular and well-known brands. Health Canada regulates nicotine pouches as therapeutic smoking cessation products, and are not approved for sale as recreational use. Nicotine pouches must meet specific requirements for concentration, and may only be sold behind the counter at a pharmacy. Fruit and candy-flavoured pouches are also prohibited to reduce the appeal of the products to youth. RCMP are reminding the public that any nicotine pouches sold at convenience stores, gas stations or other retail stores without Health Canada authorization are illegal in Canada. “The restriction of oral nicotine products to pharmacy counters exists to protect youth from highly addictive substances and ensure these products are only accessed under medical guidance,” said Const. Shaun Kennedy of the Nelson RCMP in a statement on Tuesday. Police say the investigation is currently ongoing, and no charges have been laid.
