O.P.P. traffic stop leads to RCMP seizure of 250,000 cigarettes

SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON, July 10 - A 43 year old male resident of Cornwall, Ontario is facing charges under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped, after a traffic stop on Highway 401 near the Quebec border in South Glengarry by a member of the Ontario Provincial Police on July 8th, 2008, at 8:25 p.m. This traffic stop resulted in the RCMP seizing 250,000 contraband cigarettes worth an estimated $27,500. While stopping the 2000 GMC Jimmy, the driver sped away, then stopped his vehicle and fled into a nearby swamp. The O.P.P. officer gave chase and caught the driver who was attempting to climb a fence. The driver was arrested by the O.P.P. officer for failing to stop. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed it to be loaded with contraband tobacco. Members of the RCMP Cornwall Detachment were contacted and they seized 1,250 re-sealable bags of contraband cigarettes. It is believed that the cigarettes were manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada. The 2000 GMC Jimmy worth an estimated $6,250 was also seized. The driver was released and will appear at the Alexandria court on September 10th, 2008. He will also face Highway Traffic Act charges from the O.P.P. for driving while under suspension and failing to stop when requested to do so by police.

"The contraband tobacco trade is growing and that is a concern to us", said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the Cornwall RCMP Detachment. "The illicit tobacco trade presents a serious and growing threat to public safety and health in Canada".