Millbrook First Nation councillor acquitted of illegal tobacco charges

A well-known First Nation councillor in Nova Scotia has been acquitted of charges related to the 2022 seizure of a significant amount of illegal tobacco. The judge ruled that the evidence presented in court did not conclusively prove that he was the owner of the small shop selling the products.

Chris Googoo, a prominent figure in the Millbrook First Nation community, has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Mi’kmaq people to sell tobacco and cannabis outside of federal and provincial regulations. Despite openly admitting that he owns High Grade Trading Post in Cole Harbour, N.S., Googoo emphasized the importance of challenging the prosecution’s evidence against him.

Following the court’s decision, Googoo expressed his belief that the Crown and authorities did not thoroughly investigate the case, leading to his acquittal. He highlighted the need for constitutional challenges to address the discrepancies in the legal system.

This outcome mirrors a previous ruling from last spring, where Googoo was acquitted of cannabis charges due to insufficient evidence linking him to the operations of High Grade Trading Post. As the founder of the Micmac Rights Association, Googoo has been instrumental in advocating for the sovereign rights of the Mi’kmaq people, particularly regarding the sale of cannabis.

In Nova Scotia, the provincial government restricts the sale of cannabis to the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, while tobacco sales are regulated. Googoo emphasized the Mi’kmaq’s right to participate in the economy and called for equal opportunities to engage in industries like tobacco and cannabis.

In the recent court case, Googoo faced multiple charges under Nova Scotia’s Revenue Act, including possession and sale of untaxed tobacco products. Judge Amy Sakalauskas noted that authorities seized a substantial amount of tobacco products from High Grade Trading Post, highlighting the discrepancy in pricing compared to legal markets.

The prosecution attempted to establish Googoo as the owner of the shop through various pieces of evidence, including phone records and utility bills. However, the judge critiqued the investigation for failing to provide conclusive proof of ownership, citing common names and insufficient verification of identities.

Despite the circumstantial nature of the case, the judge ultimately acquitted Googoo due to the lack of definitive evidence connecting him to the operation of High Grade Trading Post. The case underscores the complexities of legal proceedings and the importance of thorough investigations in determining culpability.

As Googoo continues to advocate for the rights of the Mi’kmaq people, the outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in navigating legal frameworks. The quest for equality and recognition of sovereign rights remains a central tenet of his activism.

For more information on this case, inquiries can be directed to Service Nova Scotia for their perspective on the proceedings.