Kingston Police Special Services Branch shutdown unlicensed tobacco shop, over $95,000 in illicit products seized

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Kingston Police investigators have successfully shut down the Kanyen’kehá:ka Tobacco Trade Co., an unlicensed tobacco storefront located at 32 Montreal Street in Kingston. The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the Southeast Health Department.

On March 26, 2026, police executed a justice-authorized search warrant at the premises. During the execution, the business owner/operator, a 29-year-old male from Deseronto, was identified and charged under Section 121.1(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Officers seized over $95,000 in illicit tobacco and nicotine products, including:

• 410 individual packages of cigarettes
• 272 cartons of assorted cigarettes
• 575 tins of pouched nicotine (ZYN)
• 28 large containers of loose-leaf tobacco
• 301 containers of liquid nicotine
• 303 standalone nicotine vaping devices
• 81 packages of Backwoods cigars
• 25 cartons of small cigars
• 25 tins of nicotine gum

The seizure and resulting charges demonstrate Kingston Police’s continued commitment to enforcing federal tobacco regulations and ensuring that the public has access only to legally authorized products.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Kingston Police remain dedicated to proactive investigations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding our community. Members of the public with information regarding illicit tobacco or nicotine sales are encouraged to report their concerns through the Kingston Police online reporting portal or by contacting Detective Sergeant Shawn Birney at 613-549-4660, ext. 6323.