CRTF MAKES LARGE FINE CUT CONTRABAND TOBACCO SEIZURES

Cornwall, Ontario - April 18, 2013 - In the late afternoon of March 12th, 2013, members of the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) were called to Cornwall’s Port of Entry (POE) by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers. It is alleged that Tanner JOCK (age 22), from Akwesasne, Quebec, was attempting to cross the POE with 11 cases of contraband cigarette baggies in his vehicle. JOCK was arrested for possession of the unstamped tobacco and later released from custody on a Recognizance. The conveyance and contraband were seized.

On the evening of March 26th, 2013, while conducting surveillance along the St. Lawrence River in South Glengarry, Ontario, CRTF members observed a suspicious vehicle attend a shoreline residence. Departing a short time later, the vehicle was stopped by police. As a result of the stop, three (3) males, Mahmoud YAGBI (age 27), Marwan SABLANI (age 42) and Paul NASSIF (age 35), all from Ottawa, Ontario, were found to be in possession of contraband tobacco products. YAGBI, SABLANI and NASSIF were each arrested for the unstamped tobacco, processed and later released from custody on their respective Promises to Appear. Along with the conveyance, twelve cases totaling 72 kilograms of flavored tobacco was seized.

In the early evening hours of March 28th, 2013, CRTF members were once again called by CBSA to Cornwall’s POE. It is alleged that Mason LAZORE (age 19) from St. Regis, Quebec, was attempting to cross the POE with nine (9) cases of contraband flavored cigars. LAZORE was arrested for possession of unstamped tobacco, processed and released from custody on a Promise to Appear.

On April 9th, 2013, while conducting patrols in South Glengarry, Ontario, CRTF members noted suspicious activity occurring at a shoreline residence. As members converged on the noted property to investigate, one of the vehicles was stopped by police as it was leaving the property. Vehicle occupants, Alexander MILLAR (age 20) from Lancaster, Ontario and Devon BROWN (age 19) from South Glengarry, Ontario were detained pending further investigation. Police found approximately 824 kilograms of fine cut tobacco inside a detached garage on the property and one of the vehicles. It is alleged that MILLAR and BROWN were in the process of moving the tobacco when the CRTF arrived on scene. Along with the tobacco, two (2) vehicles were seized. Both, MILLAR and BROWN were arrested for the contraband tobacco and transported to Cornwall RCMP Detachment for processing. MILLAR was held in custody pending a bail hearing, while BROWN was released from custody on a Promise to Appear.

The individuals noted above, who have been charged under the provisions of the Excise Act, 2001, also face charges under the provincial Tobacco Tax Act for possession of unmarked cigarettes.