Five charged in Project Smoke, targeting Hamilton shisha businesses

Hamilton police have charged five people after a project targeting shisha establishments illegally selling tobacco across the city.

Police allege they found five businesses that sold shisha mixed with tobacco, which is in violation of laws and regulations restricting tobacco sales and smoking in Ontario. Police did not name the businesses.

Project Smoke also included the City of Hamilton's bylaw and public health tobacco enforcement team, along with the Ministry of Finance.

In total, five people face 20 charges including criminal and provincial offences.

Police said they seized 26 pounds of suspected tobacco mixed with shisha.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Michael MacSween at 905-546-3845. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com