$1.7 million shipment of tobacco seized at the Windsor Ambassador Bridge

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced it recently seized a truckload of loose tobacco valued at $1.7 million from a truck heading into Ontario at the Windsor Ambassador Bridge.

According to CBSA, on Jan. 10, an unnamed truck driver — on his way to a location in southern Ontario — entered Canada at the Ambassador Bridge with a shipment he declared as “tahini rice and beans.” The driver was referred for a secondary inspection where CBSA officers found that the shipment contained loose tobacco with an approximate street value of $1.7 million.

“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.”

Criminal charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing, CBSA said in a news release.

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, CBSA adds.