Man Fined $1,400 For Possessing Four Untaxed Smokes

Those cheap smokes might not be so cheap if the watchful eye of the police happen to spot you smoking them.

A Moose Jaw man, who asked not to be identified as he is publicly embarrassed by the episode, was recently fined $1,400 for having four contraband cigarettes.

The cigarettes did not have the the federal and provincial taxes paid on them and cost the smoker $70 for a carton.

“I never knew the fine could be $1400 for just four (explorative) cigarettes. They don’t fine you that much for dope,” he said.

Whether or not there is a crackdown on the possession of illicit and non-stamped - provincial tax paid cigarettes - at the smoker level is yet to be seen. There is confirmation that the Regina Police Service is cracking down on smokers, trying to save a buck.

A member of the Regina Police Service posts a warning that possessing cigarettes without the Saskatchewan tax paid stamp, will cost you a cool $1400

In a recent X posting (the social media site, formally known as Twitter) a member of the Regina Police Service warns possessing cigarettes without a Saskatchewan pay tax stamp will cost a smoker a $1400 fine under the Tobacco Tax Act in Saskatchewan.

At the present time it is unknown if the Moose Jaw Police Service is cracking down on untaxed tobacco, but if they see it on your possession or out enjoying a smoke they just might.

Meanwhile possessing, smoking or distributing cannabis in a motor vehicle in Saskatchewan will set you back $300 if you’re caught with 30 grams or less.

Editors Note - when we were told about this fine a few weeks back we did not cover it as we thought the individual was pranking us.