An estimated 150 residents jammed a Glen Walter church Tuesday night to voice concerns over smugglers using their South Glengarry properties to move contraband.
Father Jacques Labelle of Precious Blood Parish requested the public meeting with police officials to create a chance for dialogue and more partnership.
"It was a good turnout," Labelle said. "I'm very pleased. It's a sign people are interested in what's happening in their community. Everyone talks about the smuggling problem, but they rarely do anything about it."
Labelle said the best thing anyone can do about smuggling, according to police officials at the meeting, is to call the police if they see suspicious activity in the community.
"The one key thing is to call -call 911, or call a tip line and give them the information they need," Labelle said. "Give them a licence plate number and a description of the vehicles. It's important people not be afraid to call. They don't want to be known as the ones who called the police, but they can be anonymous. People don't realize that you're automatically kept anonymous; that you don't have to give your name."
To provide the police with tips about smuggling or other criminal activity, call Seaway Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Labelle said the church grounds on County Road 2, east of Cornwall, are often used by smugglers as a point of transfer for the illegal goods, which he says include tobacco and drugs, often leaving the property torn up by the vehicles that park there.
"A lot of people like me are tired of the damage smugglers do, but they're not sure what to do about it," Labelle said. "They have to realize it's necessary to call the police so we can take back our community."
Labelle said he has spoken to police officers seen seizing contraband and arresting alleged smugglers nearby about what he has witnessed.
He has also made sure to file trespassing complaints with the police.
Labelle said it isn't just waterfront residents who are affected by the smuggling activity, but also people who live in the village.
Attendees of the meeting seemed to be disappointed with the lack of information they were given by RCMP Staff Sgt. Jean-Guy Gagnon and OPP Sgt. Kristine Rae.
"I think they were expecting more," Labelle said. "They wanted the nitty gritty of how the police catch smugglers."
However, Labelle thinks it's unrealistic of residents to demand the police divulge investigative techniques to the public and, consequently, smugglers.
The call for more action to combat smuggling comes just a few months after the RCMP, OPP, Cornwall Community Police and supporting agencies renewed their efforts through the re-introduction of the Cornwall Regional Task Force.
A second meeting to talk about smuggling is scheduled for Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lancaster, which begins at 7:30 p.m.