CORNWALL, Ontario – A multi-force police agency arrested two men connected to an alleged contraband tobacco operation in Cornwall, thanks to a keen-eyed citizen.
After receiving a tip that a Cornwall man was selling cigarettes out of his residence on September 2, Cornwall Regional Task Force officers went to the scene, and allegedly witnessed a man in a pickup truck delivering two garbage bags to the occupant.
Officers conducted a search warrant and seized 117 cartons of contraband cigarettes. The 2010 Chevy Silverado truck that was used to transport the cigarettes was also seized.
Police arrested 55-year-old Randy Jaeck and 58-year-old Thomas Benedict of Akwesasne, the driver.
Both men were charged for possession of unstamped tobacco, and are scheduled to appear in a Cornwall court on November 24.
“Officers have been working diligently to curb the illegal smuggling activities that prevail in Cornwall and the surrounding area,” said inspector Steve Ethier, OIC of Cornwall RCMP.
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. CRTF would like to extend their thanks to the Sûreté du Québec Service des enquêtes sur la contrebande-Valleyfield and Valleyfield RCMP for their assistance.
