RCMP in N.S. continue cannabis crackdown with more searches at First Nations stores

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia RCMP have continued their crackdown on unlicensed cannabis stores, with most of the targeted sites having Indigenous ties.

The Mounties say they inspected five operations last week, four of which were on First Nations territory. They include searches in the communities of Eskasoni, Waycobah, Potlotek and Paq’tnkek. Another store was searched near Digby, N.S., where the Indigenous-owned Peace and Friendship Trading Post has seen several raids in recent months. 

RCMP say some of the cannabis seized resembled candy, which “increases the risk that children could accidentally consume the cannabis.”

Police say they issued six summary offence tickets and seized cannabis and hash as part of inspections that took place last Tuesday. They say they issued notices to three people to appear in court at a later date on illegal tobacco charges. 

Police say they also searched a storefront in Welton Landing, N.S., just south of Kentville, N.S., on Thursday but found it had ceased operations. No illegal products were found at the site.

The raids are the latest in an escalating battle between the province and Mi’kmaq communities over cannabis sales that have prompted some First Nations leaders to accuse Premier Tim Houston’s government of targeting them with acts of systemic racism.

Justice Minister Scott Armstrong had issued a directive on Dec. 4 calling on all Nova Scotia police agencies to prioritize cannabis enforcement by identifying and disrupting illegal operations and distribution networks.

At that time, he also wrote to 13 Mi’kmaq chiefs, requesting their co-operation as they tackle the “growing public safety problem” of illegal cannabis sales.

Government officials have said the crackdown was needed to fight organize crime and other activities that they say fund human trafficking. But they have not provided further details about how human trafficking is linked to illegal cannabis.

Nova Scotia argues all retail cannabis sales outside the Crown-owned Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. are illegal and has called for increased enforcement, while Mi’kmaq leaders have argued they have a treaty right to grow and sell cannabis.

As last week’s raids were unfolding, Sipekne’katik Chief Michelle Glasgow issued a social media statement saying checkpoints were being set up at the entrances and exits of the community, northeast of Halifax, to stop people trying to do harm from entering.

“If you’re not trying to do us any harm, you’re welcome in our community,” Glasgow said in the video. 

“But for those who want to do us harm, who want to do us harm by force, in our community, you’re not welcome here. And if you’re foolish enough to come up here, you better be smart enough to figure out how you’re getting out.” 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2026.