Windsor RCMP Border Response Team Seizes Cigarettes and a Vehicle

WINDSOR, ON, April 18, 2012 /CNW/ - In the late afternoon of April 17^th, 2012 members of the Windsor RCMP Border Response Team (BRT) executed a search warrant at a residence on College Avenue near the intersection of Campbell Street in Windsor, ON.  The search warrant was executed after a week long investigation into alleged contraband tobacco sales in the Windsor area.

Acting on information received concerning suspected contraband tobacco sales; members of the Windsor BRT conducted surveillance and observed two individuals involved in the sale of tobacco from their vehicle on April 17^th, 2012. These two individuals were arrested for offences under the Excise Act 2001; Windsor BRT members seized a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon automobile as a conveyance along with a small quantity of cash. Windsor BRT members later executed a search warrant at their residence.  Approximately 114 cartons of contraband tobacco were seized from their home.

A 37 year old Windsor man and 49 year old Windsor woman both face charges under Section 29(a) Excise Act 2001 (Purchase/Receive for Sale - Unstamped Tobacco) and Section 32(1)Excise Act (Sell/ Offer for Sale/Possess - Unstamped Tobacco).  Both were released to appear in the Windsor Ontario Court of Justice on Monday, May 28^th, 2012.

"The distribution and sale of contraband tobacco in our communities support organized criminal groups in the region. The Windsor RCMP will continue to pursue any investigation into organized criminal groups operating in our community," said Inspector Alex MILLS - OIC Windsor Detachment.

Windsor BRT investigators are continuing their investigation.

Anyone with any information concerning criminal activity in our communities is encouraged to contact the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Border Response Teams (BRT) 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. The Windsor Border Response Team is comprised of members of the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency.

For further information:

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

Cpl. Annette BERNARDON
Windsor Detachment
Ph. 519-948-5287 Ext. 255