THUNDER BAY — Canada Border Services Agency officers made an unusual seizure at the Pigeon River border crossing this year, finding more than 200,000 nicotine pouches in a vehicle entering Canada.
The seizure happened on June 5, when officers searched a cube van driven by a Canadian citizen. They found 212,000 nicotine pouches, along with more than $29,000 in cash and cheques.
A CBSA spokesperson shared details this week while discussing enforcement efforts over the past year.
Nicotine pouches are small bags placed under the lip and are often used to help people quit smoking. In Canada, they are regulated as natural health products, require Health Canada approval, and are not approved for recreational use. They can only be sold by pharmacists, are limited to mint or menthol flavours, and are not allowed for youth or non-smokers.
The driver was arrested and paid a $10,000 penalty. The case was later turned over to the RCMP for possible further investigation.
“That definitely stands out,” said Patrick Deschene, a CBSA official in Northern Ontario. “We don’t usually see that amount of nicotine being smuggled.”
CBSA made 175 seizures at the Pigeon River crossing this year. Deschene said cannabis seizures have increased, reminding travellers that even though cannabis is legal in Canada and some U.S. states, bringing it across the border is still illegal.
Other notable cases included an American citizen caught with three handguns and prohibited magazines, and two U.S. citizens found with undeclared cash and alcohol, both of which were seized.
