Tobacco Smuggling Bust: Montreal Raids Target Cross-Border Crime

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-29 20:35:23 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-13 20:35:17

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In a coordinated effort to combat the illicit tobacco trade, Montreal police and the Surete du Quebec (SQ) executed a series of raids across the city on Wednesday, targeting a sophisticated cross-border smuggling operation. This operation, part of a long-term investigation, sheds light on the persistent issue of illegal tobacco trafficking and the collaborative efforts to dismantle it.

The raids, led by SQ Sgt. Valerie Beauchamp, were the latest development in an investigation that commenced in the fall of 2021. The operation focused on suppliers of illegal cigarette manufacturers, who were smuggling tobacco into Canada from the United States. The scope of this criminal enterprise is significant, as evidenced by the arrests of eight men from Ontario, all in their 30s, who are now facing charges. The accused are set to appear at the Longueuil courthouse, a development that underscores the seriousness of the crime and the commitment of law enforcement to address it.

The previous day, two additional arrests were made in connection with tobacco trafficking. The police seized a substantial amount of contraband, including 53,000 cigarettes and nearly $12,500 in cash, demonstrating the scale of the operation. The investigation has already yielded impressive results, with last April's searches in Toronto and surrounding regions leading to the confiscation of 85,000 kilograms of smuggled tobacco.

Sgt. Beauchamp emphasized the pervasive nature of tobacco smuggling, stating, "The smuggling of illegal tobacco and contraband is a widespread issue that has been constant." The operation is part of ACCES Tabac, a provincial initiative aimed at eradicating the illegal tobacco trade and safeguarding legitimate businesses. As the investigation unfolds, the public can expect further updates, and law enforcement continues to encourage anyone with information about tobacco or drug trafficking to come forward.

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