Four men have been charged after the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) intercepted two significant shipments of contraband tobacco products being smuggled into Canada, then collaborated with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to investigate a seizure that took place at the Port of Entry.
July 23, 24 and 25, joint short-term investigations led to the interception and search of three separate vehicles resulting in the seizure of 20 cases of contraband cigarettes, 2,400 nicotine vaping devices 82 garbage bags (1,476.55 kg) of unstamped fine cut tobacco.
Charged with violations under the Excise Act are Mathieu Cameron-Lalonde (26) and Justin Cameron (35) both from Cornwall Ontario, Shane Jacobs (31) of Kahnawake, and Owen Francis (34) of Akwesasne.
“The RCMP and its partners are firmly committed to combating illegal activities at our borders, which are detrimental to local businesses facing unfair competition from unlawful products. Our collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency is crucial in addressing these challenges. Profits from this illegal trade often fund organized crime and other illicit activities, highlighting the importance of our joint efforts in curbing these threats,” says Inspector Etienne Thauvette, Officer-in-Charge, Cornwall Detachment.
