A 24-year-old Akwesasne, Ont. Woman faces a charge under the Excise Act 2001 for possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped after she was arrested during a joint operation involving the Cornwall and Kingston RCMP Detachments and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Officers observed a vehicle depart Akwesasne, Saturday.
SEIZED 584.6 KILOGRAMS
The vehicle was stopped by the RCMP on County Road 18 near Apple Hill. Cornwall RCMP officers searched the vehicle and seized 584.6 kilograms of fine-cut tobacco found in 45 garbage bags, which is believed to have been manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada.
The driver was arrested and later released to appear at the Alexandria Court House on Nov. 5. The RCMP also seized the vehicle.
'SUPPLY ILLEGAL TOBACCO MANUFACTURERS'
"We believe fine cut tobacco is being smuggled into Canada to supply illegal tobacco manufacturers who produce cigarettes or pouches of tobacco for sale primarily at smoke shacks located within aboriginal communities," said Sgt. Michael Harvey of the RCMP.
"Organized crime is often involved in the illegal tobacco trade and, as a result, public safety is undermined."