CBSA and RCMP joint investigation leads to the seizure of 2,560.34 kilograms of fine cut tobacco

SOUTH STORMONT, ON, July 10 - A 62 year old female resident of St. Andrews West, Ontario and an 18 year old male resident of Sudbury, Ontario are facing charges under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped, after a search warrant was executed at a St. Andrews West residence on July 9th, 2008 in the early morning hours. Officers from the Canada Border Services Agency, working with officers from the Cornwall RCMP Detachment, concluded a joint investigation where it is believed that fine cut tobacco was smuggled into Canada from the United States and stored at a property just north of Cornwall, Ontario. RCMP officers located and seized 108 garbage bags containing a total of 2,560.34 kilograms of fine cut tobacco that was found in a Quonset hut and a 1999 Ford E350 van. The tobacco is worth an estimated $230,430. The 1999 Ford E350 van as well as a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, both worth an estimated $12,850, was also seized. Both individuals were released and will appear at the Cornwall court on September 8th, 2008.

"The Canada Border Services Agency is a permanent and active partner in our border integrity efforts", said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the Cornwall RCMP Detachment. "We work together on intelligence-led operations targeting organized crime groups who take advantage of the geography of our region to smuggle illicit tobacco from the United States for illegal sale in Canada".