RCMP seize nearly two tonnes of contraband tobacco over several days

An RCMP vehicle in an undated file photo.

CORNWALL, Ont. -- The RCMP say they have seized nearly two tonnes of contraband tobacco and made multiple arrests in eastern Ontario over several days.

Police say the first took place on Feb. 4, when officers interrupted an alleged smuggling operation behind the Children's Aid Society building in Cornwall, Ont.

They say officers seized 42 bags containing nearly 563 kilograms of unstamped fine-cut tobacco, as well as a snowmobile and a pickup truck, and arrested a 24-year-old man.

In the early hours of Feb. 6, police say they stopped a pickup truck carrying 38 bags containing just over 653 kg of fine-cut tobacco in South Glengarry, Ont., along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Police say they arrested the 59-year-old driver and 19-year-old passenger.

A short time later, police say they seized another truck in Summerstown, Ont., east of Cornwall, that was loaded with 40 bags containing just over 693 kg of fine-cut tobbaco.

The 50-year-old driver and 24-year-old passenger have been arrested.

All accused are charged under the Excise Act as well as the provincial Tobacco Tax Act. The 50-year-old also faces charges of flight from police and dangerous driving.