O.P.P. vehicle stop leads to RCMP seizure of 190,000 cigarettes

RCMP Press Release

SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON, Aug. 15 - A 34 year old Cornwall, Ontario man is facing charges under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped following a vehicle stop on Highway 401 eastbound in South Glengarry, Ontario.

On August 14th, 2008, at 8:30 a.m., an officer from the Ontario Provincial Police stopped a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM and during the interaction with the driver the officer observed resealable bags of contraband cigarettes inside the vehicle. Officers from the RCMP assisted and seized 950 resealable bags of contraband cigarettes representing 190,000 cigarettes worth an estimated value of $20,900. The cigarettes are believed to have been manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada. The vehicle, worth an estimated $7,000, was also seized. The driver is scheduled to appear at the Alexandria court on October 8th, 2008, and faces an additional charge from the O.P.P. for failing to produce valid insurance.

"If tobacco is in a bag such as a resealable bag, it is illegal to purchase" said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP. "All cigarettes must be purchased in a package with official health warnings, proper stamping and all applicable taxes paid."