SUMMERSTOWN, Ontario – On August 28, 2017, while on patrol in the South Glengarry area, investigators of the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) observed suspicious activity occurring along Chevrier Road. Officers observed a boat, loaded with garbage bags of contraband tobacco, being off loaded on the shore where two (2) pickup trucks were waiting.
As police approached the area, the boat with two (2) occupants, fled the scene. Attempts to stop the fleeing vessel were not successful. Officers also located and arrested two males at the shore. As a result, of the investigation, Blaze WHITE and Tylor ARMSTRONG, both 18 years old from Hogansburg, New York, are charged for Possession of Unstamped Tobacco, pursuant to the Excise Act, 2001. In addition to the 516 kg of contraband fine cut tobacco, police seized two (2) pickup trucks, a 2007 GMC Canyon and a 2017 GMC Sierra, along with five (5) electronic devices. If found guilty, these accused are facing a minimum fine of $139,401 and/or imprisonment.
The accused were released on a Recognizance to appear at the Cornwall Provincial Court on October 24, 2017.
“Once again with the assistance of the public we were able to stop organized crime activity in our area”, said Sgt. Garry Belair, acting Operational NCO with the CRTF, “Following our June surge operation, community members have a better understanding of the importance in reporting suspicious activities, and it’s working!”
If you have any information regarding criminal activity in your area, you can contact the CRTF at 1-613-937-2800 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The CRTF is a joint forces partnership that includes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. The CRTF would like to extend their thanks to the OPP K-9 unit for their assistance during this event.