Smuggling tip leads to arrests near Summerstown

In this Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 photo provided by the RCMP, a pickup truck is loaded with suspected contraband tobacco. Two teenagers from Northern New York have been arrested in connection to a bust near Summerstown, Ont. (RCMP/CRTF via Newswatch Group)

SUMMERSTOWN – The Mounties are crediting a tip about suspicious activity for catching suspected contraband smugglers last week.

Officers patrolling Chevrier Road on Monday (Aug. 28) saw people on a boat off-loading garbage bags of contraband tobacco to a couple of waiting pickup trucks.

When police moved in, the boat took off, while two men on shore were arrested.

Two 18-year-olds from Hogansburg, N.Y. are facing Excise Act charges.

Members of the Cornwall Regional Task Force seized 516 kilograms (1,138 pounds) of tobacco as well as the two pickup trucks and five electronic devices.

The suspects were later released with a court date in Cornwall next month.

“Once again with the assistance of the public we were able to stop organized crime activity in our area,” RCMP Sgt. Garry Belair said. “Following our June surge operation, community members have a better understanding of the importance in reporting suspicious activities, and it’s working!”