COUNTY - The illegal cigarettes may have seemed like a bargain, but in this case they'll cost a New Germany man nearly $1 apiece.

 William Oswald Russell was fined a total of $13,764.60 September 30 after he pleaded guilty to charges under the provincial Revenue Act, the federal Excise Act and the Criminal Code.

 Police found 16,000 illegal cigarettes when they searched the 57 year old's home on the Barss Corner Road on November 28 of last year.

 They also seized a stun gun, which is defined as a prohibited weapon under the law. Mr. Russell was fined $115 for that crime.

 The remaining fines related to the cigarette seizure. He pleaded guilty to having untaxed and unstamped tobacco products.

 Mr. Russell has until next July to pay the fines.

posted on 10/07/08