Nine charged in major Ontario tobacco smuggling ring

Authorities say a large contraband tobacco smuggling and trafficking operation has been dismantled in south western Ontario. It’s alleged the ring was responsible for smuggling more than 66 tonnes of unstamped water pipe tobacco into Canada since 2010. Nine people are facing charges following a joint investigation by Hamilton and Niagara area RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. Police say the investigation began in 2011 into a local individual suspected of smuggling unstamped water pipe tobacco for local distribution. But as the investigation went on, they say a larger organization was uncovered that reached beyond the Hamilton area.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/nine-charged-in-major-ontario-tobacco-smuggling-ring/article15983103/