Yarmouth border enforcement team arrests two individuals in illegal cigarettes investigation

Members of the Yarmouth Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) have arrested a 56-year-old male and a 58-year-old female from Port La Tour, N.S. as part of an investigation into the distribution of illegal cigarettes.

The investigation was a joint investigation conducted by Yarmouth IBET and the Shelburne RCMP Detachment.

According to the RCMP, a search of a vehicle revealed 15 cases of illegal cigarettes, which broke down into 760 baggies containing 200 cigarettes per baggie.

A 2008 Ford extended cab truck was also seized as part of the conveyance. The investigation continues into violations under the Excise and Revenue Acts.

IBET is a multi agency unit consisting of the RCMP, Canada Border Service Agency, United States Immigration Customs Enforcement, United States Coast Guard and United States Customs Border Protection.

IBET's mandate is to investigate and interdict persons and organizations involved in criminal activity with a nexus to the Canadian/U.S. border.

The RCMP reminds the public that it can report this or any other criminal activity relating to the Canadian/United States border by calling 1-888-455-IBET (4238) or by calling 1-800-803-RCMP(7267).