Vehicle stop in Tyendinaga Township found roughly 14,000 illegal cigars

The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a speeding vehicle and seized illegal cigars and other prohibited items.

At approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, OPP officers observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Highway 401 in Tyendinaga Township, according to a report from the OPP dated Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. 

According to the release, while speaking with the driver during the traffic stop, the officer observed what appeared to be unmarked tobacco products within the vehicle. The investigating officers engaged the assistance of the Ministry of Finance with respect to the tobacco products. OPP say roughly 14,000 cigars, with an estimated value of $52,000, were seized along with marijuana, credit cards, a driver’s licence and a hunting knife. The vehicle itself was also seized and impounded, according to the release.

Charankan Kirubaharan, age 18, of Stouffville has been charged with:

• Trafficking in Contraband Tobacco
• Failure to comply with release order
• Possession of a Stolen Credit Card
• Possession of an identity document
• Possessing Cannabis for the purpose of selling
• Possession of over 30g of dried Cannabis in a public place
• Unlawful purchase of Cannabis
• Person under 19 years in possession of cannabis
• Drive vehicle with cannabis in open baggage
• Possession of untaxed cigars and other tobacco
• Possession for the Purpose of resale
• Speeding

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee in February 2021. 

The investigation remains ongoing by the L&A County OPP and the Ministry of Finance.