Latest news with #CRTF
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
Nearly $500K in contraband tobacco seized at Cornwall, Ont. border this spring
The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The RCMP says it has seized hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of tobacco and made several arrests at the Cornwall, Ont. border crossing this spring. Police announced Wednesday officers apprehended approximately $497,419 worth of contraband tobacco products coming into Canada from New York State between April 1 and June 30 of this year. The products include 194,610 cigars, 214,240 cigarettes, 480 nicotine pouches, 1,100 e-cigarette vapes, and 590 cannabis vapes. The seizures were made through the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF), made up of the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. 'These seizures reflect the evolving and increasingly sophisticated threats at our borders and our unwavering commitment to meet them head-on,' said Insp. Etienne Thauvette, officer in charge of the RCMP's Cornwall detachment, in a news release. A 43-year-old man from Hogansburg, N.Y. was charged with two counts of violating the Excise Act for allegedly crossing the border with 1,100 e-cigarettes and 590 cannabis vapes on March 26. A pair of 25- and 27-year-old men from Ohsweken, Ont. were charged under the Excise Act for allegedly possessing 150,000 unstamped cigarettes on April 4. The 25-year-old was also charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for suspected cocaine. A 46-year-old woman of Fort Covington, N.Y. was charged for allegedly possessing 180,000 unstamped cigars on April 4. A 22-year-old from Stouffville, Ont. was charged under the Excise Act and Customs Act for allegedly possessing 8,610 unstamped cigars and 480 nicotine pouches on April 9. A 23-year-old from Ajax, Ont. and a 22-year-old of Stouffville, Ont. were charged under the Excise Act for allegedly possessing 6,000 unstamped cigars on May 20. A 69-year-old man from Cornwall, Ont. was charged for allegedly possessing 54,240 unstamped cigars on June 2. 'Revenues from contraband tobacco often support organized crime activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and firearms smuggling,' the RCMP said. Anyone with information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession is asked to contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Cision Canada
Nearly $500K in tobacco seized at the Cornwall border this spring Français
CORNWALL, ON, Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Between April 1 and June 30, 2025, the Ontario RCMP Border Integrity team and its partners in the Cornwall region, laid multiple charges and seized nearly $500,000 worth of contraband tobacco products. Each case involved an individual attempting to transport cigars, cigarettes or other illicit products into Ontario. Revenues from contraband tobacco often support organized crime activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and firearms smuggling. The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) is a joint task force made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. This multi-agency operation works diligently with its US partners to disrupt crime on both sides of the border. Spanning the months of April, May, and June, enforcement efforts by the CRTF led to the seizure of contraband tobacco and other products worth approximately $497,419. The CRTF also seized seven vehicles. As a result of the seizures by the CRTF, the RCMP has charged the following individuals: Nathan Lazore (43) of Hogansburg, NY for possession of 1100 e-cigarettes and 590 cannabis vapes on March 26, 2025: Section 158.44 (1) (b) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of vaping products Section 158.11(1)(b) of the Excise Act, 2001 for unlawfully possessing an unstamped cannabis product Trenton James Martin (25) and Leroy Manny Johnson (27) of Ohsweken, ON for possession of 150,000 unstamped cigarettes and Martin for possession of schedule I cocaine substances on April 4, 2025: Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for possession of suspected cocaine Sarah Elizabeth Square (46) of Fort Covington, NY for possession of 180,000 unstamped cigars on April 4, 2025: Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco Shoeb Lokhat (22) of Stouffville, ON for possession of 8,610 unstamped cigars and 480 nicotine pouches on April 9, 2025: Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco Section 155 of the Customs Act for keeping, acquiring, disposing of goods illegally Section 159 of the Customs Act for smuggling Ravisha Devi Prasad-Sharma (23) of Ajax, and Parth Rajput (22) of Stouffville, ON for possession of 6000 unstamped cigars on May 20, 2025: Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco Peter Van-Leishout (69) of Cornwall, ON for possession of 54,240 unstamped cigarettes on June 2, 2025: Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco Section 10 (2) of the Cannabis Act for possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling Section 8 of the Cannabis Act for possession of over 30 grams of dried cannabis in a public place Total Product Seized "These seizures reflect the evolving and increasingly sophisticated threats at our borders and our unwavering commitment to meet them head-on. With the Government of Canada's renewed focus and investment in border security, combined with strong partnerships across law enforcement and intelligence communities, we are better equipped than ever to intercept illegal goods and protect Canadians." — Insp. Etienne Thauvette, Officer in Charge RCMP Cornwall Detachment "Canada Border Services Agency officers are our first line of defence against cross-border crime. When CBSA officers intercept contraband, they stop potential proceeds from being reinvested into other criminal activity. We will continue working alongside our Cornwall Regional Task Force partners to keep our communities safe." — Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region "The OPP is dedicated to participating in the Cornwall Regional Task Force and working with partner agencies to stem the flow of illegal commodities into Ontario, including contraband tobacco. These seizures are the result of diligence from our investigators, investment into strengthening partnerships and seamless intelligence sharing." — OPP Inspector Marc Hemmerick, Detachment Commander, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Supplemental Media: Fast facts: Ontario RCMP Border Integrity protect over 2,700km of the Canada-US border between ports of entry, from Cornwall through the Great Lakes to the Manitoba border. The Canada-US border is the longest, safest border in the world. CBSA officers enforce more than 100 acts, regulations and international agreements at 1,200 ports of entry, preventing dangerous goods and people from entering Canada. Oral nicotine pouches over the 4mg limit as per the Food and Drugs Act are classified as prescription drugs as per Health Canada's prescription drug list. No person other than one of following shall import a prescription drug: a practitioner, a drug manufacturer, a wholesale druggist, a pharmacist or a resident of a foreign country while a visitor to Canada (policy of a 90-day supply). Its effects are widespread, impacting public health, public safety, government revenue, and the broader economy. Smuggling networks engage in violent activities and corruption, increasing risks to the public and law enforcement agencies. If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time. X (Twitter): @RCMPONT Facebook: Instagram: rcmpontario YouTube: RCMP_Ontario_GRC Website: RCMP in Ontario Media Line: 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500 Website: X (Twitter): @CBSANOR Facebook: CanBorder Instagram: CanBorder YouTube: CanBorder SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Central Region
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal PWD minister urges Gadkari for four laning of Dhalli-Rampur road on priority
Himachal public works department minister Vikramaditya Singh on Monday called on Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi and requested him to take up the construction of four laning of NH-05 from Dhalli to Rampur on priority. He urged the Union minister to declare Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot- Kullu road, including Bhubujot tunnel, as national highway keeping in view its strategic importance. The PWD Minister also requested speedy completion of ongoing construction works on existing highways. He also informed that request to include five national highways in Prime Minister Gati Shakti has been submitted by the state government and urged for approval of the same. Singh also urged for speedy release of funds worth ₹130 crore under CRTF and enhancing the annual limit of CRTF works to ₹250 crore in the state. Nitin Gadkari assured of all possible assistance to the state.
Cision Canada
02-06-2025
- Cision Canada
Police have a busy winter at the Cornwall border
CORNWALL, ON, /CNW/ - Between January 1, 2025 and April 1, 2025, the Ontario RCMP Border Integrity team and its partners in the Cornwall region, laid multiple charges and seized a total of $561,568 worth of contraband tobacco products. The RCMP allege that several individuals have attempted to smuggle unstamped tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and nicotine pouches which are being unlawfully imported for unregulated resale in convenience stores and other retail outlets into Ontario. The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) is a joint task force made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. We work closely with our trusted Canadian and US partners to combat crime on both sides of the border. On January 7 th, a CBSA led initiative partnering with the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) stopped a vehicle under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and a search of the vehicle found 28 boxes of unstamped tobacco with a total of 280,000 cigarettes. Driver James Johnson (34 yrs.), from Saint Regis, QC was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and Operation while Prohibited under Section 320.18 of the Criminal Code. Passenger Dylan David (35 yrs.), from Hogansburg, NY was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for Possession of a Schedule 1 Drug - Fentanyl. On January 12 th, a vehicle was examined by the CBSA under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and found to contain 9,360 unstamped cigars. Nadir Khedidem (23 yrs.), from Mirabel, QC was charged by the RCMP pursuant to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 and was convicted. On January 16 th, two vehicles that had crossed the Cornwall border were stopped and searched under Section 99(1)(f) of the Customs Act and a total of 18 cases of nicotine pouches, for a total of 36,000 pouches were seized. Reese Hitterman-Carr (24 yrs.) from Lancaster, ON and Adam Bomberry (31 yrs.) from Akwesasne, NY were arrested and charged under Sections 155 and 159 (1) of the Customs Act. On January 27 th, Lawrence Oakes (22 yrs) from Cornwall was arrested by Cornwall RCMP after fleeing from a secondary examination by CBSA officers at the border and striking a marked Police vehicle. Oakes is charged with Assaulting a Police Officer with a weapon, Dangerous Driving, Flight from Police and Fail to Comply to Release Order. In late February, a CBSA led initiative partnering with the CRTF collaborated to arrest, Robert Green (32 yrs.), from Ohsweken, ON under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act and Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of 37,000 nicotine pouches, 7200 cigars and 1440 ounces of chewing tobacco for a total of $294,560. Green was released on an undertaking andappeared in court on May 20 th. On February 26 th a CBSA led initiative partnering with the CRTF spotted three individuals behind a restaurant in Cornwall where they were allegedly exchanging nicotine pouches from the trunks of their vehicles. RCMP arrested all three males on Customs Act charges and seized over $ 160 Thousand dollars' worth of nicotine pouches. Nasim El Bendago (22 yrs.) from Gatineau, QC, Zahir Taskie (20 yrs.) from Orleans, ON, and Mark Wesley (24 yrs.) from Scarborough, ON were arrested under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act for possession of these nicotine pouches. Wesley also faces charges for possession for the purpose of trafficking under Section 5 (2) of the CDSA. All three were released on undertakings and will appear in court on June 3 rd. On February 24 th, Megan Morin (22 yrs.) from Longueuil, QC was found with a total of 255 cartons of illegal cigars which was seized from the trunk of the vehicle she was driving. Morin was charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001, released on an undertaking and was convicted on May 7 th. In March, law enforcement seized 3,122 tins of flavoured nicotine pouches from a driver allegedly attempting to illegally import them across the Cornwall border. The male driver was arrested initially under Sections 155 and 159(1) of the Customs Act, however, has subsequently been released without charges. On March 8 th, a traffic stop led the OPP and RCMP to an observation of a total of 2,532 tins of Unstamped Tobacco valued at over $56,000 which was seized immediately. The driver, Asiful Haque (27 yrs.) from Scarborough, ON was arrested under Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for Unlawful Possession of Unstamped Tobacco. Haque was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 29 th. "Thanks to the CBSA, OPP, OPP-BEST, Ontario Ministry of Finance, and Cornwall RCMP for their dedicated collaboration which continues to produce successful results, taking contraband, including nicotine pouches, off our streets." — Inspector Etienne Thauvette, Officer in Charge RCMP Cornwall Detachment "Canada Border Services Agency officers are committed to disrupting organized crime. By intercepting contraband, we stop proceeds from being reinvested into other criminal activity. We will continue to work closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe." — Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region "The OPP is committed to working with our provincial and national partners to stem the flow of contraband tobacco, as well as illegal drugs and firearms, contributing to safer communities." – OPP Acting Detective Inspector Tyler Stewart, Border Enforcement Security Task Force Product Seized Vehicles seized Fast facts: Ontario RCMP Border Integrity protect over 2,700km of the Canada-US border from Cornwall through the Great Lakes to the Manitoba border. The Canada-US border is the longest, safest border in the world. Oral nicotine pouches over the 4mg limit as per the Food and Drugs Act are classified as prescription drugs as per Health Canada's prescription drug list. No person other than one of following shall import a prescription drug: a practitioner, a drug manufacturer, a wholesale druggist, a pharmacist or a resident of a foreign country while a visitor to Canada (policy of a 90-day supply). Its effects are widespread, impacting public health, public safety, government revenue, and the broader economy. Revenues from contraband tobacco often support organized crime activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and firearms smuggling. Smuggling networks engage in violent activities and corruption, increasing risks to the public and law enforcement agencies. The Canada Border Services Agency screens goods coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians. For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures. If you have any information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminality, you can contact the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time. Canada Border Services Agency Media Relations [email protected] Media Line: 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500 Website: Twitter: @CanBorder Facebook: CanBorder Instagram: CanBorder YouTube: CanBorder SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Central Region
