News release

Nearly $500K in tobacco seized at the Cornwall border this spring

August 13, 2025 - Cornwall, Ontario
From: Federal Policing Central Region

Content

Between April 1 and June 30, 2025, the Ontario RCMP Border Integrity team and its partners in the Cornwall region, laid multiple charges and seized nearly $500,000 worth of contraband tobacco products. Each case involved an individual attempting to transport cigars, cigarettes or other illicit products into Ontario. Revenues from contraband tobacco often support organized crime activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and firearms smuggling.

The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) is a joint task force made up of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. This multi-agency operation works diligently with its US partners to disrupt crime on both sides of the border.

Spanning the months of April, May, and June, enforcement efforts by the CRTF led to the seizure of contraband tobacco and other products worth approximately $497,419. The CRTF also seized seven vehicles.

As a result of the seizures by the CRTF, the RCMP has charged the following individuals:

Nathan Lazore (43) of Hogansburg, NY for possession of 1100 e-cigarettes and 590 cannabis vapes on March 26, 2025:

• Section 158.44 (1) (b) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of vaping products
• Section 158.11(1)(b) of the Excise Act, 2001 for unlawfully possessing an unstamped cannabis product

Trenton James Martin (25) and Leroy Manny Johnson (27) of Ohsweken, ON for possession of 150,000 unstamped cigarettes and Martin for possession of schedule I cocaine substances on April 4, 2025:

• Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco
• Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for possession of suspected cocaine

Sarah Elizabeth Square (46) of Fort Covington, NY for possession of 180,000 unstamped cigars on April 4, 2025:

• Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco

Shoeb Lokhat (22) of Stouffville, ON for possession of 8,610 unstamped cigars and 480 nicotine pouches on April 9, 2025:

• Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco
• Section 155 of the Customs Act for keeping, acquiring, disposing of goods illegally
• Section 159 of the Customs Act for smuggling

Ravisha Devi Prasad-Sharma (23) of Ajax, and Parth Rajput (22) of Stouffville, ON for possession of 6000 unstamped cigars on May 20, 2025:

• Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco

Peter Van-Leishout (69) of Cornwall, ON for possession of 54,240 unstamped cigarettes on June 2, 2025:

• Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001 for possession of unstamped tobacco
• Section 10 (2) of the Cannabis Act for possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling
• Section 8 of the Cannabis Act for possession of over 30 grams of dried cannabis in a public place

Total product seized

Cigars: 194,610
Cigarettes: 214,240
Nicotine Pouches: 480
E-Cigarette Vapes: 1100
Cannabis Vapes: 590

“These seizures reflect the evolving and increasingly sophisticated threats at our borders and our unwavering commitment to meet them head-on. With the Government of Canada’s renewed focus and investment in border security, combined with strong partnerships across law enforcement and intelligence communities, we are better equipped than ever to intercept illegal goods and protect Canadians.” —Insp. Etienne Thauvette, Officer in Charge RCMP Cornwall Detachment

“Canada Border Services Agency officers are our first line of defence against cross-border crime. When CBSA officers intercept contraband, they stop potential proceeds from being reinvested into other criminal activity. We will continue working alongside our Cornwall Regional Task Force partners to keep our communities safe.” —Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region                     

“The OPP is dedicated to participating in the Cornwall Regional Task Force and working with partner agencies to stem the flow of illegal commodities into Ontario, including contraband tobacco. These seizures are the result of diligence from our investigators, investment into strengthening partnerships and seamless intelligence sharing.” —OPP Inspector Marc Hemmerick, Detachment Commander, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry

Contacts