2.96 million contraband cigarettes seized in Napanee

A 64-year-old Quebec man is in OPP custody awaiting a bail hearing following a vehicle stop on Highway 401 in Greater Napanee this afternoon.

At approximately 12:45 on Monday, January 14th, an officer from the Napanee Detachment stopped a westbound U-Haul truck. His investigation of that vehicle, assisted by the Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team, revealed that the truck was loaded with illegal cigarettes. In all, 296 cases – the equivalent of 2.96 million cigarettes – were seized by police along with the vehicle and several thousand dollars in cash.

The man remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Napanee on Tuesday afternoon. He is facing charges that include two counts each of possession of contraband for the purpose of sale, transportation of contraband and failing to comply with a probation order. He is also facing two additional charges under Ontario’s Tobacco Tax Act.

The investigation continues with the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Finance.