Ten People Arrested for Possession of Contraband Tobacco during Multi-Agency Tobacco Smuggling Opera

Source from:  CORNWALL, ON, Sept. 18 /CNW/ 09/19/2008

On the 16th of September, 2008, the Cornwall RCMP Detachment along with their partner, Canada Border Services Agency organized an enforcement operation targeting known organizations involved in the smuggling of contraband tobacco from the Cornwall area. Participating agencies working together during this operation were officers from the Cornwall RCMP Detachment, Kingston RCMP Detachment, Central St. Lawrence Valley RCMP Detachment-Valleyfield office, Canada Border Services Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Team (POCET), Quebec Provincial Police and the Ontario Ministry of Revenue Special Investigations Branch. Individuals and vehicles involved in contraband tobacco smuggling departing the Cornwall area towards Montreal and Toronto were identified and intercepted. This joint operation focused on targeting individuals who belong to various organized crime groups which facilitate the distribution of the contraband tobacco throughout Canada. The result of this operation permitted the partner law enforcement agencies to intercept eleven different vehicles in the following regions: 1 vehicle in Prescott, Ontario 6 vehicles in Cornwall, Ontario 2 vehicles in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec 2 vehicles in St-Zotique, Quebec These interceptions permitted the arrest of nine individuals (5 from Cornwall, Ontario, 1 from Ohsweken, Ontario, 1 from Glen Walter, Ontario, 1 from St-Regis, Quebec, 1 from Ste-Lucie-des-Laure, Quebec) who will be charged for the possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped according to the Excise Act 2001 as well as being charged under authority of the Provincial Tobacco Tax Act. The tenth individual arrested is identified as Dwayne David, a 46 year old resident of Akwesasne, Ontario who was charged with possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped. He is currently being held in custody for a Bail hearing that will take place Monday September 22nd, 2008 in Valleyfield, Quebec. Items Seized - 11 vehicles and 1 trailer. - 15,040 assorted resealable bags each containing 200 cigarettes seized represents 3,008,000 cigarettes. - 510 assorted cartons each containing 200 cigarettes seized represents 102,000 cigarettes. Reducing the threat and impact of organized crime is one of the RCMP's strategic priorities. Our enforcement resources are directed at criminal organizations involved in the smuggling, manufacturing and distribution of contraband tobacco products. Recognizing the multi-jurisdictional nature of tobacco control, the RCMP works with a variety of partners at all levels of government, domestically and internationally, in developing strategies to address the illicit tobacco market. Enditem