2,500 re-sealable bags of illegal contraband cigarettes found in false bottom of trailer – Cornwall Ontario – August 13, 2010

Cornwall, ON – Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officers at the interim Port of Entry in Cornwall have seized 2,500 re-sealable bags of contraband cigarettes found in the false bottom of a trailer.

On August 10th, 2010, CBSA Officers referred a pickup truck with a large flat bed trailer for a secondary inspection. Upon examination of the flat bed trailer, Border Services Officers discovered 50 cardboard boxes containing 2,500 re-sealable bags of contraband cigarettes hidden underneath the floor of the trailer.

A 39 year old Akwesasne, Ontario resident has been turned over to the Cornwall Regional Task Force and faces a charge for possession of unstamped tobacco under Section 32 of the Excise Act 2001.  He also faces a similar charge under authority of the Tobacco Tax Act.

The 13 metre Blair trailer and the 2005 Chevrolet C4500 Duramax Diesel truck used to pull it have both been seized.

The driver will appear in court in Cornwall on September 28th, 2010.

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.

Together, the community, the police and its partnering agencies can help keep this community safe and a great place to live and play.