Thousands of illegal smokes seized near Desbarats (photo added)
Tuesday, October 02, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
RCMP NEWS RELEASE
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Sault Ste. Marie RCMP and OPP seize 40,000 contraband cigarettes
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (October 2, 2012) - As a result of a joint investigation between the RCMP and the OPP, the RCMP's Border Integrity Section interdicted a vehicle just east of Desbarats on its way to Sault Ste. Marie.
As a result of the investigation, four cases (200 cartons) of contraband cigarettes were seized from inside the vehicle.
In total, 40,000 brown filtered cigarettes were removed from the illegal tobacco market.
The illicit tobacco trade is a global phenomenon that contributes to the growth of transnational organized crime and undermines public health objectives.
"It is illegal to possess or sell tobacco products that are not packaged or stamped as required by Canadian law," said Cpl. Mike Duguay, in charge of the Border Integrity Section.
Both Philip Greco, 73, and Mark Ryan Dubois, 21, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario are charged with Possessing Unmarked Tobacco contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Excise Act 2001.
They are scheduled to appear in court on December 3, 2012.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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To read today's full OPP Beat report, click here.
