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Ongoing Efforts against Smugglers in the Central St. Lawrence Valley Area

RCMP "C" Division - Quebec

Valleyfield, February 11, 2010 – Operations conducted on a regular basis by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Sûreté du Québec resulted, in January only, in the seizure of illegal tobacco products valued at approximately one million dollars, close to CAN$7,500 in cash and 17 smuggling vehicles. During that period, 22 persons were also arrested.

As part of their surveillance operations as well as the ACCES program involving both the RCMP and SQ, officers of the Central St. Lawrence Valley area continue their fight against illegal trade activities, including tobacco contraband.

After the relocation of the port of entry in Cornwall, there has been a shift in contraband activity in the area. This new situation has led the police to intensify their operations, which resulted in an increase in the quantity of products intercepted and the disruption of smuggling networks.

By joining forces, police officers are able to disrupt illicit trade in the area. They target the smuggling activity directly and make additional efforts to dismantle the illegal supply networks.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police encourages citizens to report any information on suspected illicit activities by individuals or groups to the investigators of the RCMP Valleyfield Office at 450-377-3223 or Info-Crime Québec at 1 800 711-1800. All tips will be kept confidential.

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For information:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Josée Thomas, Constable
Central St. Lawrence Valley RCMP Detachment, Valleyfield Office
450-377-3223

Sûreté du Québec
Ronald Mc Innis, sergeant
Montérégie District
450-641-7549