The CBSA extradites a Canadian citizen from Mexico on tobacco smuggling charges
News release
September 5, 2025 Montreal, Quebec Canada Border Services Agency
On August 29, 2025, investigators from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) took part in the extradition from Mexico of Martin Bessette, a 50-year-old Canadian citizen charged with tobacco smuggling. Legal proceedings against him can now resume.
On June 15, 2022, Mr. Bessette pled guilty to eight counts under the Customs Act, the Excise Act, 2001 and the Criminal Code, in relation to his involvement in a criminal contraband tobacco network. The charges were laid following a CBSA investigation that began in 2018, known as Project Butane, which targeted the leaders and truck drivers of a tobacco smuggling network engaged in fraudulent activities estimated at more than $450 million.
On September 29, 2022, Mr. Bessette failed to appear at his sentencing trial, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The CBSA’s search for Mr. Bessette revealed that he was in Mexico. The Canadian authorities submitted an extradition request to the Mexican authorities, and Mr. Bessette was arrested in Mexico in March 2025.
On August 29, 2025, Mr. Bessette appeared before a judge of the Court of Québec, who ordered his detention pending further legal proceedings.
CBSA officers and investigators are highly vigilant with regard to tobacco smuggling. In addition to damaging the Canadian economy, profits from illegal tobacco trade often help finance other organized crime activities, such as human trafficking, firearms trafficking, and drug trafficking. All offenders are liable to sanctions and legal proceedings.
The CBSA thanks the Mexican authorities for their assistance in this investigation.
Quotes
“The CBSA is determined to disrupt the criminal networks that profit from illegal trade, and intends to prosecute anyone who smuggles goods across the border, whatever they may be. The extradition of this individual involved in tobacco trafficking is an excellent example of the efforts made by the CBSA and its partners to stop organized crime and protect our borders.”
- Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Quebec Region, Canada Border Services Agency
Quick facts
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Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada’s Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
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15 people have been charged as a result of Project Butane. To date, 13 of them have pled guilty and 12 received sentences ranging from 18 months’ probation to 54 months of imprisonment, along with fines of up to $50,000. In addition to Martin Bessette, the cases of two other accused individuals are still before the Court.
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For the latest enforcement statistics (including tobacco seizures), visit seizures by the Canada Border Services Agency.
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To report any suspicious cross-border activity, please call the Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060 (toll-free from Canada and the United States).
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1‑877‑761‑5945
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