LANSDOWNE – O.P.P. and MTO officers in Eastern Ontario, conducting a commercial vehicle inspection, uncovered quite a haul of contraband tobacco last week.
An eastbound tractor trailer was stopped Thursday afternoon (July 19) on Highway 401 near Lansdowne, about 130 kilometers west of Cornwall, and officers ruled the truck unsafe to drive.
That’s when police found what the truck was hauling – over 15,000 kilograms (33,000 pounds) of contraband tobacco.
The load is estimated to be worth over $5 million in lost taxes.
Leeds County #OPP have charged a @CityBrampton man after seizing more than 33,000 lbs of contraband tobacco (worth over $5-million) on the 401 in the Township of Leeds and the 1000 Islands. @OPP_News ^bd
— OPP East (@OPP_ER) July 25, 2018
The 25-year-old driver from Brampton, Ont. has been charged with transporting unstamped tobacco and will appear in a Brockville court next month.
An investigation continues with the help of the O.P.P. Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team and the Ontario Ministry of Finance.