The RCMP charged a 23-year-old Kanawake, Que. man, a 23-year-old Scarborough, Ont. woman and a 59-year-old Denbigh, Ont. man with several contraband tobacco offences last week.
The investigation began when a Canada Border Service Agency officer identified a vehicle in Cornwall known to be involved in contraband smuggling. The RCMP was contacted, sparking an investigation of a property in Ingleside.
The officers located the driver and the vehicle, which was loaded with 500 re-sealable baggies of tobacco not properly stamped in accordance with the Excise Act 2001.
Officers arrested two additional individuals at the scene and seized $17,840 and a truck. The total value of the seizure was $33,340.
All three individuals were charged with conspiracy to possess tobacco not properly stamped contrary to the Criminal Code.
The Kanawake man was also charged with possession of tobacco not properly stamped in accordance to the Excise Act 2001.
He was release to appear in Cornwall Provincial Court in September.
The Scarborough and Denbigh residents were also charged with possession of property obtained by crime and were held in custody. Both will be appearing in Cornwall court.