Content created:2006-10-12

(Cornwall, Ontario) On October 5th , 2006, at 4:00 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police stopped a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV on McConnell Avenue in Cornwall, Ontario. While questioning the driver, the officer observed cardboard boxes of what appeared to be contraband tobacco. The driver was detained and officers from the Central St. Lawrence Valley RCMP Detachment were contacted to seize the illegal cigarettes and smuggling vehicle.

Located inside the vehicle were 1,250 re-sealable bags of contraband cigarettes containing a total amount of 250,000 cigarettes. The value of the illegal cigarettes is $27,500 and the value of the seized SUV is $21,000. The male driver, a 32 year old resident of McDonald Road in Akwesasne, Ontario was questioned further by officers of the RCMP and their investigation continues into the unlawful possession of a tobacco product that was not stamped in accordance with the provisions of the Excise Act 2001. The truck is owned by a 31 year old male resident of Akwesasne, Ontario.

Recently, the Central St. Lawrence Valley Regional Task Force have noticed that newer models of vehicles are being used to smuggle the illegal cigarettes which indicates that the criminal organizations are not concerned about having these expensive vehicles seized. Drivers are reminded that if illegal contraband products are located inside their vehicles, their vehicle will be seized and in most part are sold by the Federal Crown Assets at a public auction.

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Sgt. Michael Harvey
(613) 937-2800 Ext. 293
Central St. Lawrence Valley RCMP Detachment