CRTF Seizes 691.5 kilograms of contraband tobacco

CORNWALL, ON, Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - On January 9, 2019, while conducting a border integrity operation, officers with the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) observed a boat traveling eastbound on the St. Lawrence River in South Glengarry.  A short time later, a pickup truck was observed departing a shoreline cottage area where the vessel was last seen and heard.  Police stopped the vehicle and found the driver and sole occupant, Ronald Cook (aged 42) of Akwesasne, Ontario, to be in possession of 691.5 kilograms of fine cut tobacco.  Mr. Cook was arrested for being in possession of unstamped tobacco contrary to the Excise Act, 2001.  In addition to the contraband, a 2001 Ford F-150 was seized.  Mr. Cook was later released from police custody and is slated to appear at the Alexandria Provincial Court house on March 6, 2019.  

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.     

If you have any information regarding criminal activity in your area, contact the CRTF at 1-613-937-2800 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

SOURCE Cornwall Regional Task Force

For further information: Cst. Angélique Dignard, Cornwall RTF, 613-937-2800; A/Sgt. Tina Hunt, Ontario Provincial Police, 613-285-2750