Police have charged the owner of a West End convenience store with a Liquor Control Act offence for selling mouthwash as an intoxicating substance.
A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged on June 9 and has since been released on a summons, officers said on Friday.
Patrol Sgt. Lisa Mandziak said the suspect was selling mouthwash at double or triple the regular price.
"The individuals that want to buy these items will actually pay an exorbitant price to obtain their product of choice," Mandziak said.
Police received a number of complaints from people living in the area, prompting officers with the community support unit and vice unit to investigate.
Mouthwash was seized as a result of the investigation.
Not all store owners in the area are willing to sell intoxicants to addicts. Ali Saeed won't sell hairspray, mouthwash or hand sanitizer at his store because he found that people were drinking them, he said.
"Can you imagine how many people we are losing in a year in terms of health? Can you imagine how many families we are destroying for our own advantage?" Saeed said.
Officers said this problem is occurring in all parts of the city and are asking the public to notify police if they notice it happening.
- with a report from CTV's Caroline Barghout
