CORNWALL -- The Cornwall Regional Task Force has noticed an increase in attempts to smuggle contraband tobacco in modified trailers and trucks.
The CRTF made and assisted in 21 contraband tobacco seizures throughout Cornwall and the southern townships of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry between Sept. 15 and Oct. 4.
The task force was also involved in a Hawkesbury seizure.
The seizures resulted in the arrest of 19 people facing charges under the federal Excise Act 2001 and the Ontario Tobacco Tax Act for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped.
The accused hail from Cornwall, Akwesasne, Sturgeon Falls, Ont., Massena, N.Y., Pointe Claire, Que., St. Catharines, Ont., Hogansburg, N.Y., Avonmore, Ont., Verdun, Que. and Toronto.
Seized items include 20 vehicles, five boats, three camping trailers, six boat trailers, six boat motors, 26,070 resealable bags and cartons each containing 200 contraband cigarettes, $800 in Canadian currency and 12 grams of marijuana
The CRTF says there is a noticeable increase in smuggling activity at local marinas.
If anyone notices suspicious activity, please contact the CRTF at 613-937-2800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.