Operation Yields Significant Contraband Seizure
CORNWALL ONTARIO – While conducting an operation on the evening of April 9, 2017, members of the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) observed a vessel traveling eastbound on the St. Lawrence River. The boat went ashore in the area of Pie XII Boulevard and the Beauharnois Canal, Valleyfield, Quebec. The police converged on scene and arrested three (3) males between the ages of 21 and 25 from the province of Quebec. As a result, a total of 1,587 kilograms of contraband fine cut tobacco as well as the conveyance, a 1998 Ford cube van, were seized. The individuals were released from custody on a Promise to Appear in Valleyfield Provincial Court on June 28, 2017.
“Oftentimes we are asked about the financial costs associated with this contraband issue”, said Sergeant Garry Belair, acting CRTF Ops NCO, “In this seizure alone, $245,526.35 was lost to Ontarians in possible tax revenue. Assuming a registered nurse’s average annual salary of $70,000.00, the taxes lost could have funded 3.5 nurses in our hospitals. It is important for everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your local police force so they can continue to protect your neighbourhood.”
If you have any information regarding this crime or other criminal activity in your area, you can contact the CRTF at 1-613-937-2800