Smuggling Ring Butted Out

    BOWMANVILLE, ON, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - On Saturday November 1st, 2008, after a
joint investigation by the Canadian Border Services Agency and the Custom and
Excise Unit of the Greater Toronto Area RCMP, four individuals were arrested
for possession of unlawfully packed and stamped tobacco in Richmond Hill,
Ontario. At the time of arrest, $1,100.00 in cash was seized, two vehicles as
well as over 700 cases of counterfeit cigarettes which are believed to have
originated from China.
    First court appearance for the two males and two females is set for
January 9th, 2009 at the Newmarket Court house in order to answer charges
under the Excise Act 2001.
    The sale of contraband tobacco products does not represent any medium or
long-term benefit for anyone except the individuals making the profits. There
are negative health, economic and public safety consequences for all our
communities in relation to the production and sale of contraband cigarettes.
    The RCMP is committed to working internally as well as with its partners
and stakeholders to ensure that every effort is made to enhance public safety
and economic integrity across Canada.Pictures of the counterfeit cigarettes can be found at:
    http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/press/news_e.htm
    or
    http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/press/news_f.htm

For further information: Cpl Steve DAIZE, Toronto East RCMP Detachment,
Customs and Excise Unit, [phone] ext 276 - office, [phone] -
mobile; or Sgt Marc LaPorte, RCMP "O" Division, Media Relations Officer, (519)
640-7302 - office, [phone] - mobile