CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) have announced that they seized a large quantity of tobacco during a border integrity operation they conducted along the St. Lawrence River in Cornwall.
The CRTF states that it’s officers spotted individuals loading packages into a 2004 Pontiac Montana parked at the edge of the river.
“The police intercepted the van as it was departing the area and had to utilise the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) canine unit to locate 2 of the suspects; one of which had jumped into the river canal to escape custody,” reads the statement from the CRTF. “Thank you to the Cornwall Fire Department for their assistance in performing the rescue of one suspect who received medical attention for minor injuries.”
The CRTF arrested 18-year-old Zachary Plumadore and 20-year-old Jordan Johnson for violations of the Excise Act for possession of unstamped tobacco. They are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 22.
Police seized 12 bags of unstamped fine cut tobacco weighing 209.70kg, 60 cartons of cigars 36 bags of cigarettes as well as the van.
The CRTF is a joint forces partnership that includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency, and the Ontario Ministry of Finance.
