Illegal Cigarettes and Cigars Seized by the RCMP

Trois-Rivières, February 9, 2012 – Last week, officers of the Centre-du-Québec-Mauricie Detachment seized hundreds of contraband cigars, thousands of illegal cigarettes as well as a quantity of marihuana from a residence in Trois-Rivières.  A male suspect was arrested and later released.  He could face charges of sale of a tobacco product not properly stamped under the Excise Act, 2001 and charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The investigation continues.

Acting on tips received from the public, the RCMP investigators initiated an investigation that led them to a private residence located on Vincent-Bélanger Street.  The police searched the premises and found about 570 Tomahawk brand cigars, 5,425 Discount brand cigarettes and one gram of marihuana.

Funding Criminal Activity

It is illegal to possess or sell tobacco products that are not packaged or stamped as required by Canadian law. These products are considered illegal for a number of reasons, one of them being that no duties or excise taxes are collected from their sale. The illicit tobacco trade presents a serious and growing threat to public safety and health in Canada. People need to be aware that they are funding criminal activity when they purchase contraband tobacco products.

Counterfeiting, Odometer Tampering, etc.

The RCMP Centre-du-Québec- Mauricie Detachment investigates all federal offences.  In addition to investigating tobacco-related offences under the Excise Act, 2001, officers focus on counterfeit activity involving such items as compact disks, DVDs, clothing and pharmaceuticals, and on other fraudulent activity, including odometer tampering.   

Appeal to the Public

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police urges citizens to report any information on suspected illicit activity by individuals or groups to the investigators of the Centre-du-Québec- Mauricie Detachment at 819-371-3291or 1 800 771-5401. All tips will be kept confidential.

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For information:

Christian Lamarre, Sergeant
418 648-3851

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