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Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service Locate Abandoned Truck which leads to the seizure of 330,800 Cigarettes by the Cornwall RCMP Detachment

AKWESASNE, ON, June 13 - On June 8th, 2008, at 00:30 a.m., an officer from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service observed a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche travelling from Akwesasne, Ontario towards Cornwall. The officer recognized the driver and was aware the driver did not possess a valid driver's licence. As the officer attempted to stop the truck on Pitt Street in Cornwall, the driver sped off at speeds reaching 150 kilometres in a posted 50 kilometre zone. The driver returned to Akwesasne, Ontario and abandoned the truck in a driveway located on Buckshot Road in Akwesasne. The officer approached the truck and observed cardboard boxes of cigarettes throughout the truck and he also detected a strong odour of tobacco. Officers were unable to locate the driver. Officers from the Cornwall RCMP detachment seized 1,654 re-sealable bags of cigarettes representing 330,800 cigarettes valued at $36,388. The RCMP also seized the truck valued at $15,900. The cigarettes are believed to have been manufactured in the United States.

"Our investigation continues with regards to this incident and charges could be filed in the future" states Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP. "The erratic and dangerous driving on the streets of our communities is not tolerated and poses a danger to our citizens."