RCMP/CBSA/O.P.P. Joint operation leads to seizure of tobacco and alcohol

(South Glengarry, Ontario - October 6th, 2008) – A joint operation involving the Cornwall and Kingston RCMP Detachments, Canada Border Services Agency, and the Ontario Provincial Police resulted in the seizure of contraband fine cut tobacco and bottles of alcohol.

On October 3rd, 2008, officers observed two vehicles depart Akwesasne, Ontario.  These vehicles were subsequently stopped by the O.P.P. on Highway 401 eastbound near Lancaster, Ontario.  RCMP officers seized 199.5 kilograms of fine cut tobacco found in 8 garbage bags believed to have been manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada. The driver, a 27 year old male resident of Hogansburg, New York, and his passenger, a youth who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were questioned and released.  The driver of the second vehicle, a 24 year old resident of Akwesasne, Ontario was also questioned.

In a second incident, officers observed another vehicle depart Akwesasne, Ontario, eastbound on Highway 401.  It was subsequently stopped by officers from the O.P.P. near Lancaster, Ontario.  The vehicle was searched and RCMP officers seized sixty-six bottles of contraband Rikaloff Vodka, forty-two bottles of contraband Canadian Leaf Whiskey and thirty-six bottles of contraband Port Royal West Indies Rhum.  It is believed that this alcohol was manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada.  The driver, a 34 year old female resident of Ottawa, Ontario and her passenger, a 36 year old female resident of Akwesasne, Ontario were questioned and released.

“Recognizing the multi-jurisdictional nature of tobacco control, the RCMP works with a variety of partners at all levels of government, domestically and internationally, in developing strategies to address the illicit tobacco market”, said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP. “The seizure of alcohol smuggled into Canada from the United States is more common close to the holiday season due to the public demand”.