O.P.P. traffic stop leads to RCMP seizure of cigars

SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON, July 16 - A 42 year old Kahnawake, Quebec man is facing charges under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped following a traffic stop on Highway 401 in South Glengarry by a member of the Ontario Provincial Police. On July 14th, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. the O.P.P. stopped a driver of a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pick up truck, and while questioning the driver, who did not have a driver's licence, the officer noted the strong smell of tobacco coming from inside the truck. Members from the RCMP's Cornwall Detachment attended and seized a total of 120,000 cigars worth an estimated $122,670. Items seized were; 150 cartons of Colts Sweets brand cigars, 150 cartons of Colts Rum and Wine brand cigars, 50 cartons of Colts Whiskey brand cigars, 250 cartons of Captain Black Original brand cigars, 150 cartons of Captain Black Sweet Cherry brand cigars, and 750 cartons of Captain Black Sweets brand cigars. It is believed that some of the cigars were manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada. The 2002 Dodge Ram pick up truck, worth an estimated $7,125 was also seized.

In addition to the RCMP charges, the driver of the pick up faces charges by the O.P.P. for operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, and was turned over the Chateauguay Police Force as they had a warrant for his arrest. He will appear in Alexandria court on September 10th, 2008 on the RCMP charges.

"The driver did not have any permits to transport or sell the seized cigars in Canada," said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP's Cornwall Detachment. "The cigars were found covered by a blanket and officers noticed vehicle swerve onto the shoulder of the highway - maybe as a result of the load being too heavy to travel with".