Investigation follow leads to charges, arrest
GLACE BAY — A continuing investigation into illegal cigarettes and money laundering as led to another arrest, more charges and the seizure of product and cash.
On Monday, the Cape Breton Regional Police street crime unit served a search warrant at an East Avenue, Glace Bay residence where they seized about 30 cartons of illegal cigarettes and $47,000.
As a result, Norman Mugford, 63, and Clara Ann Mugford, 58, were both arrested at the residence. They will appear in Sydney provincial court on May 26 to face charges of possession for the purpose of selling illegal tobacco and possession of proceeds of crime.
Norman Mugford is also charged with a breach of previous court-ordered conditions.
According to a police spokesperson, the search was a follow to an investigation last week in conjunction with Service Nova Scotia.
On March 23, members of the Service Nova Scotia internal services’ compliance and special investigations unit and members of regional police, searched a residence on East Avenue in Glace Bay and seized 12,500 contraband cigarettes valued at approximately $7,500. The estimated provincial tax value of the cigarettes is $3,440 and federal tax value is $1,196.
Further investigation led police to obtain a search warrant for a Fifth Street, Glace Bay residence, where they seized approximately $440,000 and several firearms.
As a result of those searches, Norman Mugford and Adam Christopher Mugford, 30, of Fifth Street, are both scheduled to appear in Sydney provincial court on May 23 for plea on tax and money laundering charges.
Norman Mugford is facing charges of possession of tobacco with no tax paid, possession of tobacco with no excise markings and transporting tobacco with no bill of lading. The charges are all filed under the Revenue Act.
Norman Mugford and Adam Christopher Mugford are both charged with possession of money over $5,000, knowing it was obtained by crime and with laundering the proceeds of crime.
Adam Mugford is also charged with careless storage of a weapon, a Smith and Wesson handgun.
As part of his release, Norman Mugford was ordered to turn over his passport to police.