AMPS stops two vehicles with unauthorized tobacco

(Cornwall, Ontario - July 22nd, 2008) - A 28 year old Gatineau, Quebec woman and a 29 year old Lasalle, Quebec man are facing charges under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped following two vehicle stops by the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service. On July 16th, 2008, officers observed the female driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander van fail to stop at an intersection in Akwesasne, Ontario. The officer stopped the vehicle on Second Street in Cornwall, Ontario and when he approached the driver he observed cardboard boxes of cigarettes. Members of the RCMP’s Cornwall Detachment attended and seized 338,000 cigarettes worth an estimated $37,180 contained in 1,690 resealable bags. The van, worth an estimated $19,050 was also seized. The driver is scheduled to appear in Cornwall court on September 22nd, 2008, and faces additional charges from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service for failing to stop at a posted stop sign.

On July 17th, 2008, at 6:18 a.m., a male driving a 1998 Ford F150 pickup truck was observed by an officer while traveling in Akwesasne, Ontario. The vehicle was stopped as a result of an Indian Act investigation of trespassing on an Indian Reserve. The officer approached the driver and located cardboard boxes of contraband tobacco in the vehicle. RCMP members attended the scene and seized 490,000 cigarettes worth an estimated $53,900 contained in 2,450 resealable bags. The truck, worth an estimated $9,400 was also seized. The driver is scheduled to appear in Cornwall court on August 25th, 2008, and faces additional charges for fail to produce insurance card and trespassing on and Indian Reserve.

“Officers are working very hard to ensure that our communities are safe” said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP’s Cornwall Detachment. “During the summer months we notice a high volume of activity and working together ensures we can be successful during our operations “.