On September 29, RCMP officers from the Valleyfield Detachment, with the assistance of the Sûreté du Québec, seized 8 million illegal cigarettes. An individual from Mississauga was arrested.
During a routine operation in the Saint-Zotique sector, officers intercepted a tractor trailer. They checked the vehicle and discovered 800 cases each containing 10,000 illegal cigarettes, with an approximate market value of $880,000. This is the largest seizure made in the area served by the Valleyfield Detachment since 2014.
The individual arrested was released and will appear in court at a later date. He will face charges of possession of unstamped tobacco products under the Excise Act, 2001. The investigation is ongoing.
Appeal to the public
The illicit tobacco trade presents a threat to the health and safety of Canadians. It is illegal to possess or sell tobacco products that are not packaged or stamped as required by Canadian law. People need to be aware that they are funding criminal activity when they purchase contraband tobacco products.
Do you have information on the sale of illegal tobacco products or other illegal activities? Contact the RCMP at 1-800-771-5401.