RCMP Seize Contraband Tobacco

LONDON, ON, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - As the result of an investigation involving the London Customs & Excise Section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with the assistance of London Police Service and the Eastern Region OPP Highway Patrol, three Search Warrants were executed on two vehicles and a storage unit located in London, Ontario. Officers seized approximately 5,200 contraband cigarettes. The brand names include Canadian Light, Canadian Menthol, Canadian Original and Putter's Light. Also seized were Titan Phillies Cigars, Borkum Riff Pipe Tobacco and Backwoods Honey Berry Tobacco.   

This investigation is continuing and no charges have been laid to date.   

It is an offence in Canada to possess tobacco products not properly stamped under the Excise Act. Offenders convicted of possessing, buying or selling contraband tobacco products could be subject to fines or penalties ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years.  This excludes Provincial fines, which can be many times higher.

Although the effects of illegal tobacco activities may not be obvious, all Canadians feel the repercussions of these activities in the form of;

• The loss of millions in federal and provincial government revenues.
• Undermining of public health efforts to decrease tobacco use.
• Preventing legitimate business from carrying out their activities in a climate of fair competition.

"The RCMP together with the support and involvement of our partners are committed to targeting this crime," stated S/Sgt. Steve Arthur, Acting Officer in Charge of London Detachment.

Anyone with information regarding the sale and manufacturing of contraband tobacco is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-265-4444.

For further information:

Cpl. Darren Morgan
Media Relation Officer
London Detachment
RCMP "O" Division      
Office: [phone] ext. 248   
Cell: [phone]