Canada Officials Crack Down on Illegal Smokes

In May alone nearly 25,000 cartons of contraband tobacco were seized before they could hit the Canadian market.

May 21, 2012

CORNWALL, Ontario - Criminals who are attempting to contribute to the proliferation of contraband tobacco in Canada are being stopped in their tracks.

While conducting land and marine patrols along the St. Lawrence River on May 15, Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) members observed two males onboard a boat near Grassy Island. As CRTF marine operators approached the vessel to investigate, the individuals began to throw garbage bags overboard before fleeing towards Akwesasne, Quebec. CRTF members recovered 436.8 kg of fine cut tobacco from the river.

Also on May 15, CRTF members assisted the Valleyfield RCMP Detachment when they observed two boats departing a shoreline residence in the Quebec, Riviere-Beaudette area. Once members arrived on scene, 10,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes were seized.

On May 8, CRTF members observed a boat departing a waterfront residence in South Glengarry, where two individuals were seen using dollies to move boxes from the shore. CRTF members moved in and performed a takedown at the residence. Once on scene, a 5-ton rental truck was observed partially loaded with contraband cases. Two males fled and one was quickly apprehended, while the other escaped. Sylvain Martin was found in possession of 12,500 cartons of contraband cigarettes and the contraband cigarettes inside the 5-ton truck were seized.

On May 5, an Ontario Provincial Police officer arrested Theresa Fodey for possession of 950 cartons of contraband cigarettes.

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