The arrest of 12 local people on smuggling-related charges has cuahgt the attention of the federal government.
Vic Toews, the minister of public safety, weighed in on the arrests in a statement released to the media Friday.
“Cross border smugglers and organized criminals endanger the safety of our families and communities," he said. "I commend the numerous enforcement agencies involved in this investigation on their hard work and co-operation. These arrests are testament to our government’s strong resolve towards tackling crime.”
As a result of a 12-month investigation, 12 individuals from South Glengarry, Cornwall and Akwesasne were charged with offences related to participation in a criminal organization, smuggling of cigarettes as well as trafficking in firearms and marijuana.
A total of 83 criminal charges have been laid in addition to 115 provincial charges under the Ontario Tobacco Tax Act.
For the full story on the arrests, see our homepage.
