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Contraband Cigarettes Seized by the RCMP

Valleyfield, Friday, July 11, 2008 - Last week, a police operation conducted by officers of the Central St.Lawrence Valley RCMP Detachment - Valleyfield Office with the assistance of the Canada Border Services Agency led to the interception and search of five vehicles west of Vaudreuil on Highways 20 and 40 and the seizure of 410,000 contraband cigarettes and 2,290 bags of bulk tobacco worth close to $252,000.

The vehicles were also seized by the RCMP officers. Six suspects arrested as a result of this operation could face charges under section 32(1) of the Excise Act 2001 for unlawful possession of a tobacco product that was not properly stamped.

The first two vehicles intercepted were coming from Ontario on Highway 20 and were stopped west of Vaudreuil. The first vehicle, a Dodge Ram 1500, was driven by a 53-year-old male resident of Cornwall who was with a 35-year-old passenger also of Cornwall. They had in their possession 2,050 baggies containing 200 cigarettes each. The second vehicle, a 2000 Ford Explorer, was driven by a 43-year-old male resident of Cornwall. He had in his possession 45 bags of bulk tobacco weighing a total of 562.5 kilograms.

The officers later intercepted a 2001 Chevrolet Venture and a 2000 GMC Jimmy also west of Vaudreuil on Highway 40. The driver of the first vehicle was a 28-year-old female resident of Cornwall. She had in her possession 60 bags of bulk tobacco weighing a total of 750 kilograms. The second vehicle was driven by a 21-year-old male who was found in possession of 34 bags of cut tobacco weighing 428 kilograms.

Finally, the last vehicle, a 1999 Ford Explorer, was intercepted on Highway 540, at Vaudreuil. The driver a 21-year-old female resident of Cornwall was transporting 45 bags of bulk tobacco weighing 558 kilograms.

It is illegal to possess or sell tobacco products that are not packaged or stamped as required by Canadian law. Raising awareness of the tobacco black market is one of the methods used by the RCMP to reduce demand. The illicit tobacco trade presents a serious and growing threat to public safety and health in Canada. People need to be aware that they are funding criminal activity if they purchase tobacco products not sold legitimately.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police would like to invite the local population to report any information on the illicit activities of individuals or groups of individuals to the Central St.Lawrence Valley RCMP Detachment - Valleyfield Office at 450-377-3223. All tips will be kept confidential.