Sherbrooke, March 21, 2007 – Earlier this morning, as a result
of searches conducted in Estrie and the Montréal agglomeration,
members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Estrie Detachment arrested
six suspects in connection to cigarette smuggling. The police operation
also led to the seizure of a large quantity of cigarettes that were to
be sold on the black market.
This police operation followed more than a year of investigation by
members of the RCMP Estrie Detachment who succeeded in stopping the alleged
cigarette smuggling ring based in part on information from the public
and from previous investigations.
Some 70 officers took part in a total of eight searches today. There
were three searches conducted in Ascot
Corner, two others in warehouses in Saint-Philippe, near Candiac, two
in residences in Montréal and a last one in a residence in La
Prairie. The RCMP officers were assisted by members of the Sherbrooke,
Rousillon and Montréal municipal police agencies, Sûreté du
Québec, Estrie concerted action against underground economy and
Canada Border Services Agency.
500,000 cigarettes
The officers recovered 50 cases each containing 10,000 cigarettes in
plastic bags ready for distribution as well as two cases of bulk tobacco.
They also discovered $5,000 in cash and seized five vehicles. "We
estimate that the smugglers were selling approximately 50 cases of
cigarettes a week on the black market," said Corporal Elaine Lavergne
of the RCMP Communications Office.
Multiple charges
The six suspects are expected to face multiple charges under the Excise
Act, 2001, such as possession, purchase or sale of a tobacco product
not properly packaged and/or stamped. They could also be charged under
the Criminal Code for conspiracy to purchase or receive a tobacco product,
possession and laundering of proceeds of crime, participation in activities
of a criminal organization, commission of an offence for the benefit
of a criminal organization and instructing a person to commit an offence
for the benefit of a criminal organization.
"Legitimate businesses are penalized and are victim of unfair competition.
The profits from the sale of illegal tobacco products benefit criminal
organizations which are increasingly well structured. Some of the profits
could also be used to finance criminal activities. We urge the public
not to encourage the illegal sale of cigarettes," added Corporal
Elaine Lavergne.
If you think you have information that could contribute to the fight
against cigarette smuggling or organized crime, please call the RCMP
Estrie Detachment at (819) 564-5770.
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For information:
Corporal Elaine Lavergne
Communications Office
(514) 939-8308
