BROCKVILLE, ON, May 31, 2007 - On Tuesday May 29th, The Kingston Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Customs and Excise Section seized 109 cases of contraband cigarettes after a joint investigation with the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) in the Cornwall area. The cigarettes are valued at approx. $ 118,000.
The RCMP stopped the vehicle on the Highway 401 in the Brockville area. Two males were arrested and will appear in Brockville court on July 6th, 2007 charged under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act. Both males are from the Morrissburg and Chesterville areas.
A 2002 GMC Pick Up Truck and a Utility Trailer was also seized as a conveyance under the provisions of the Excise Act. RCMP believe the cigarettes originated from the Cornwall Akwesasne area. "Cigarettes are manufactured and distributed by organized crime groups who have purchased cigarette making machines and have opened up make shift warehouses to make these cigarettes illegally," says Sgt. Michael Harvey of the Cornwall RCMP Detachment.
Cpl. Nancy Mason of the RCMP Proceeds of Crime Section in Kingston, Ontario says "Individuals involved in the distribution of the contraband cigarettes make significant profits from their illegal activities." Not withstanding the efforts of law enforcement, the distribution and sale of contraband cigarettes continue to be a significant problem in this area.
For further information:
Cpl. Nancy Mason, Kingston Proceeds of Crime Section, Kingston Media Relations Co-ord., (613) 561-4090 (cell)