From RCMP:
Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Tuesday June 22, 2010- The Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have
identified and secured a vessel displaying the name 'Valletta' that
arrived at the Port of Shelburne, NS on Saturday evening.
RCMP Immigration and Passport Section and Integrated Border Enforcement Team
(IBET) have confirmed that there were 10 individuals from Eastern Europe
onboard (five women and five men). The vessel was traveling north from
Bermuda and was spotted off Shelburne by Canada Coast Guard ship 'Earl
Grey'.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will process these individuals
in accordance with Canadian law and exercise due diligence in the
screening of all irregular migrants for both security and criminal
threats. The safety and security of Canadians remains a priority for
both the CBSA and the RCMP.
The RCMP Immigration and Passport Section is conducting an
investigation to determine any possible connection to organized crime,
including human smuggling, ensuring Canadian Law is upheld and
maintaining the safety of those onboard the vessel. The investigation is
continuing.
The RCMP and CBSA along with other partnering agencies are involved to
protect the integrity of Canada's immigration and refugee programs and
the safety and security of Canadians.
Seizure of Contraband Cigarettes on Highway 104
Monday, June 21, 2010….On June 19th, members of the RCMP Customs &
Excise Enforcement Section, with the assistance of the Cumberland County
Street Crime Unit and the Colchester County District RCMP, conducted a
vehicle stop on Highway 104 near Truro. The occupants of the vehicle,
two 43 year old men from the Halifax area, were arrested at the scene
for being in possession of contraband cigarettes.
A search of the vehicle they were driving resulted in the seizure of
approximately 1500 cartons of contraband cigarettes. Each carton seized
contains approximately 200 individual cigarette sticks for a total of
approximately 300,000 cigarettes seized. Charges are pending against
both individuals under the Excise Act.
In addition to the cigarettes that were seized from the vehicle, one of
the males arrested was found to be in possession of a small quantity of
drugs. Charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are
pending against him.
RCMP reminds the public that if you purchase tobacco products that are
not marked as required by law, you are in possession of illegal
products. The sale of illegal tobacco often benefits criminal
organizations by financing drug trafficking; purchasing illegal weapons;
and funding other illicit activities. This affects the safety and
security of our communities and our children.
