RCMP Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Cigars
WINDSOR, ON, Jan. 27 /CNW/ - Earlier today, Windsor, ON, RCMP announced a significant seizure of illegal cigarettes resulting from the January 25, 2006 execution of four search warrants by its Customs and Excise section at businesses in the City of Windsor. The five-month investigation, which was assisted by the Ministry of Finance, Health Canada and Canada Border Services Agency, originated as a result of tips from the public and complaints from legitimate business owners. Charges were laid against six people in connection with the sale and distribution of unstamped tobacco products, namely DK, Putters and Sagos, and loose cigarettes being sold in plastic baggies.
Investigators arrested and charged a Windsor resident in December 2005 as part of the investigation, who was purchasing the contraband cigarettes from the Six Nations Reserve in Brantford, ON. The cigarettes were stored in a storage locker in Windsor where they were then distributed to local convenience stores.
The illegal cigarettes were being sold for $4 a package or $30 a carton as compared to cigarettes where all the taxes have been paid which are sold for just under $10 or about $61 a carton.
During the course of the investigation, police seized approximately 2,700 cartons of unstamped tobacco products and 130 baggies of loose cigarettes, which represents over $200,000 in taxes evaded.
Also seized were $36,000 in cash, seven boxes of Cuban cigars including Cohibas and Monte Cristo brands, counterfeited copyright and trademark goods, and leaf tobacco.
"This type of criminal activity affects us all," stated Sgt. N. Wentoniuk of the Windsor Customs and Excise Section. "It affects legitimate businesses through the loss of revenue and taxes. Legitimate businesses are not able to compete with the illegal businesses that sell the cigarettes at a cheaper price."
The following six people, all of Windsor, are charged:
1) Abdullah AL'LATIF, Age 41
- Six counts of possession for the purpose of sale of unstamped tobacco.
- One count conspiracy to purchase for sale unstamped tobacco.
2) Salam POTA, Age 47
- Five counts of possession for the purpose of sale of unstamped tobacco.
- One count conspiracy to purchase for sale unstamped tobacco.
3) Fadi NIZAM, Age 33
- Five counts of possession for the purpose of sale of unstamped tobacco.
- One count conspiracy to purchase for sale unstamped tobacco.
4) Salty GORO, Age 46
- Two counts of possession for the purpose of sale of unstamped tobacco.
- One count conspiracy to purchase for sale unstamped tobacco.
5) Al JANABI, Age 60
- Two counts of possession for the purpose of sale of unstamped tobacco.
- One count conspiracy to purchase for sale unstamped tobacco.
6) Ibtisam JANABI, Age 57
- One count of possession for the purpose of sale of unstamped tobacco.
- One count conspiracy to purchase for sale unstamped tobacco.
All accused will appear in court on February 27th, 2006 in courtroom No. 1.
