RCMP Border Response Team Seizes Cigarettes, Cash and a Vehicle

WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - In the early evening hours of February 7th, 2012, Windsor RCMP Border Response Team (BRT) members observed suspicious activity which resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 51 cartons on contraband cigarettes, cash and a vehicle.

Border Response Team investigators observed a 45 year old Windsor resident, later identified as Ali Jassim Al DARAIE, exit a business premise and walk to a parked vehicle.  This individual was observed to remove bags of suspected illegal cigarettes from the trunk of a vehicle. BRT investigators arrested Al DARAIE for Excise Act offences.  A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of additional contraband cigarettes.  In total, over 51 cartons of illegal cigarettes (10,392 cigarettes total) as well as over $2000 cash which was seized as alleged proceeds of crime.  The1999 Volkswagen Jetta he was driving was also seized as a conveyance during the commission of the offence.

"The sale of contraband tobacco in our communities presents significant additional health risks to our communities," said Inspector Alex MILLS, the Officer in Charge of Windsor RCMP Detachment. "There are no controls/regulations on the production of these illegal cigarettes and consumers are unaware of exactly what they are purchasing," Inspector MILLS continued.

Ali Jassim Al DARAIE of Windsor, Ontario faces charges of Unlawfully Possessing Unstamped Tobacco for Sale contrary to Sec. 32(1) of the Excise Act 2001 and Unlawfully Purchasing Unstamped Tobacco for Sale contrary to Sec. 29 (b) of the Excise Act 2001.  Mr. Al DARAIE was released to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on March 5^th, 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.

Border Response Teams (BRT's) enhance border integrity and security along the shared Canada/U.S. border by identifying, investigating and interdicting persons, organizations and goods that threaten the national security of our countries or that are involved in organized criminal activity.

For further information:

Sgt. Peter KOERSVELT
Windsor RCMP Detachment
Ph. 519-995-8372