CBSA and RCMP surveillance leads to seizure of contraband tobacco

(Cornwall, Ontario - Friday, January 30th, 2009) – Two people were arrested by the RCMP for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped under authority of the Excise Act 2001 following a joint surveillance operation with officers from the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP Cornwall Detachment.

On January 30th, 2009, officers followed a 2003 Chevrolet Impala from Akwesasne, Ontario and stopped the vehicle at a commercial parking lot on Brookdale Avenue in Cornwall, Ontario.  When officers approached the driver she refused to get out of her vehicle.  RCMP officers arrested a 42 year old female driver from Akwesasne, Ontario and seized 746 resealable bags of contraband cigarettes as well as the vehicle. The driver faces charges for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped as well as for obstructing a peace officer.  She was later released to appear at the Cornwall court on April 7th, 2009.

Later on the same day, officers followed a 2000 Chevrolet Cube Van from Akwesasne, Ontario and followed the truck to a residence located on Tollgate Road in Cornwall, Ontario.  RCMP officers approached the driver as he exited the van and observed the van to contain cardboard boxes of contraband cigarettes.  RCMP officers seized 4,350 resealable bags of contraband cigarettes as well as the van.  The driver, identified as 41 year old Jeffery Adams from Cornwall, Ontario was arrested and charged for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped and for failing to comply with an conditions from a previous release document. He was held for a bail hearing at the Cornwall court on January 30th, 2009.