CRTF Arrest Two in Smuggling Operation

(November 24, 2016) Cornwall, Ontario – On the night of Tuesday, November 15, 2016, while conducting an operation along the St. Lawrence River, in South Glengarry, Ontario, members of the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) observed a boat, approaching a privately owned campground and shortly thereafter, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was observed exiting this location.

Police initiated a traffic stop which led to the arrests of the driver, Chad DELL (aged 46) and passenger, Sheldon PINSONNEAULT (aged 29), both from Kahnawake, Quebec, for being in possession of 982 kilograms of contraband fine cut tobacco.

DELL and PINSONNEAULT were later released on a Recognizance to appear in Cornwall Provincial Court on December 6, 2016. In addition to being charged under the provisions of the Excise Act, 2001, both men face charges under the provincial Tobacco Tax Act.

This seizure of fine cut tobacco translates into roughly 982,000 cigarettes or 4,910 cartons of tobacco product that will not be reaching the illicit contraband market. If convicted, each faces a minimum fine of $255,424.00 or a period of imprisonment.

If you have any information regarding this crime or any other criminal activity in your area, please contact your local police service or reach out to an investigator with the CRTF at 1-613-937-2800 or 1-800-387-0020.

The CRTF is a joint forces partnership that includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Ontario Ministry of Finance.