$4.4M in contraband tobacco seized.
A speeding complaint on Highway 401 has turned into a major tobacco bust worth millions of dollars.
On July 15, 2025, just before 7 a.m., OPP officers from Lennox and Addington responded to a report of a tractor-trailer speeding near Shannonville Road. The truck was later stopped by Frontenac OPP near Joyceville Road and taken to the Ministry of Transportation scales in Gananoque.
During the inspection, officers found over 17,820 kilograms of contraband, fine-cut tobacco inside the trailer. The illegal haul is valued at roughly $4.4 million. Authorities say the unpaid taxes on the shipment could total approximately $9.1 million.
A 60-year-old man from Puslinch Township, has been charged with trafficking contraband tobacco. He was released and is scheduled to appear in court in Kingston on September 2.
The OPP’s Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team continues to investigate, alongside the Ministry of Transportation.
Story by Bob Perreault
Snowbirds set to give Kingston one more spectacular look at the iconic Tutor jets
Police using coordinated approach to address open-air drug use in Kingston
This Canadian program is helping more girls see themselves in tech
Kingston children of all abilities now have new place to play
Bobs Lake marine patrol leads to two impaired operation charges
