Major seizure of contraband cigarettes in Beauce

May 27, 2026 - Saint-Georges, Quebec
From: Federal Policing Eastern Region

Content

RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region announces charges against an individual who was stopped while in possession of unstamped tobacco products. Paul Raymond Causton, 53, from Ennismore, Ontario, was arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on August 14, 2025, at the Woburn, Quebec border crossing. Officers seized 226 cardboard boxes containing a total of 2,260,000 unstamped cigarettes.

Mr. Causton is facing two charges: possession of unstamped tobacco products under the Excise Act, 2001, and possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of sale under the Criminal Code.

He will appear on May 28, at 9:30 am at the Lac-Mégantic courthouse.

Ensuring border integrity

The RCMP works with many Canadian and American law enforcement partners, playing an important role in protecting the Canada-US border. Our Integrated Border Enforcement Teams investigate illegal cross-border activities between ports of entry, including human smuggling and contraband trafficking.

The sale of illegal tobacco is a health and safety risk for Canadians. The possession or sale of tobacco products that are not properly packaged and stamped is prohibited by law. By purchasing products derived from illegal tobacco, consumers are funding a criminal activity.

Appeal to the public

Do you have information on the illegal activities of individuals or groups of individuals? Contact the RCMP at 514-939-8300/1-800-771-5401 or your local police department.

Contacts