Prosecutions and Seizures

Southern Ontario Region

CBSA seizes tobacco valued at $1.7 million at the Windsor Ambassador Bridge

Windsor, Ontario, January 16, 2012 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that a large quantity of loose tobacco was seized at the Ambassador Bridge.

On January 10, 2013, a commercial driver, on his way to a location in southern Ontario, entered Canada at the Ambassador Bridge. The driver was referred for a secondary inspection where CBSA officers found that the declared shipment of tahini, rice and beans contained over 13,700 kg of loose tobacco with an approximate street value of $1.7 million.

Criminal charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

"The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, and our officers work diligently to prevent smuggling across our borders," said Rick Comerford, Regional Director General for Southern Ontario Region. "This seizure clearly demonstrates that our officers are vigilant when it comes to ensuring our border is not used for illegal activities. This includes prosecuting those who contravene the Customs Act."

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060. All calls are completely confidential.

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For media information

Nancy Thomson
Communications advisor, Southern Ontario Region
905-354-5995 or 519-967-4330
CBSA-ASFC_SouthernOntarioRegionNews@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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