O.P.P. traffic stop leads to seizure of 200,000 cigarettes

CORNWALL, ON, July 4 - Two Akwesasne, Ontario residents are facing charges under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of tobacco products not properly stamped, after an afternoon traffic stop by a member of the Ontario Provincial Police on July 2nd, resulted in the seizure of 200,000 contraband cigarettes worth an estimated $22,000. While questioning the female driver of the 2002 Ford F150 pick up about her expired driver's licence, the O.P.P officer noted the strong smell of tobacco coming from within the truck. Members of the RCMPs Cornwall Detachment were contacted and 550 cartons of Discount Light brand cigarettes and 450 cartons of Discount Full Flavour brands were seized. It is believed that the cigarettes were manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada. The 2002 Ford F150 pick up worth an estimated $17,000 was also seized.

"We are concerned that organized crime groups are making huge profits from the illicit tobacco trade", said Sgt. Mike Harvey of the RCMP's Cornwall Detachment. "People need to be aware that they are funding criminal activity if they purchase tobacco products not sold legitimately".