Vehicle Stop Leads to RCMP Seizure of Contraband Tobacco

LONDON , ON, Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Members of the London RCMP Detachment's Customs & Excise Section seized over 500 pounds of processed tobacco as a result of an Ontario Provincial Police traffic stop.

On Monday, October 26th, 2009 , an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 403 near Highway 401. It was subsequently stopped by the officer for a Highway Traffic Act violation. During the course of the traffic stop, the vehicle was searched and 12 bags of processed tobacco was located in the vehicle. RCMP officers were contacted and attended the scene, seizing the contraband tobacco.

The amount of processed tobacco seized translated to removing nearly a quarter of a million illegal cigarettes from the streets.

The driver, 38 year old Valerie Denise ELM of Southwold, Ontario was arrested and has been charged by the RCMP with possession of a tobacco product not properly stamped under the Excise Act. ELM has also been charged by the OPP with Obstruction and Personation as well as an offence under the Highway Traffic Act.

Valerie Denise ELM is scheduled to appear in court in Woodstock on November 26th, 2009 .

Anyone with information regarding the sale and manufacturing of counterfeit cigarettes 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. 230, Cell: [phone]