Owner of convenience stores charged with illegally selling tobacco, cannabis products

A Winnipeg woman is facing dozens of charges after police found the convenience stores she owns were selling tobacco products andcannabis illegally.

Winnipeg police communityservice support units inspected various general and convenience stores between September and January after receiving a tip about illegal tobacco and cannabis products being sold.

These inspections revealed that three stores, one on Sargent Avenue, one on Westminster Avenue and one on Talbot Avenue had tobacco products displayed in plain view and available to minors, according to a news release from the Winnipeg Police Service.

Cartons of illegal cigarettes and cannabis products were also found in the stores, the news release says.

The owner of all three stores, a 41-year old woman, faces 30 charges in connection with the investigation, including those related to the sale of unmarked tobacco products and selling cannabis/accessories appealing to young persons.

Two men who work at the store on Sargent Avenue have also been charged.