Border Crime Alert: $330,000 in Illicit Nicotine Pouches and Cigars Seized Near Cornwall Crossing
Community Safety Alert Overview
On February 12, 2026, a coordinated border enforcement operation led by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), working with the Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of suspected contraband in Cornwall, Ontario. Officers targeted a pickup truck believed to be involved in smuggling, intercepting it within the city and arresting both occupants without incident.
Investigators seized illicit nicotine products and cigars with an estimated retail value of more than $330,000, along with the vehicle allegedly used in the offence. Two suspects, from Hogansburg, New York and Akwesasne, Ontario, now face multiple federal charges under the Excise Act, 2001 and the Customs Act. Both were released on conditions and are scheduled for court later in March 2026. All charges remain unproven at this time.
Official Incident Details
According to information released by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), border enforcement partners observed several indicators consistent with contraband smuggling activity linked to a pickup truck operating in the Cornwall area. Members of the CRTF conducted a traffic stop in Cornwall, Ontario, where they located and seized suspected illicit products and took the two occupants into custody.
Seized Items
- 7,160 tins of nicotine pouches, with an estimated retail value of approximately $198,815
- 945 boxes of Blackwood brand cigars, with an estimated retail value of approximately $131,544
- The pickup truck believed to have been used in connection with the smuggling activity was also seized as part of the investigation.
Accused Individuals
- Kyden Jacobs, 21, of Hogansburg, New York
- Sakyah Diabo, 19, of Akwesasne, Ontario
Both individuals were arrested in relation to the seized contraband products and vehicle.
Charges Laid
The two accused face the following alleged offences:
- Unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001
- Evasion of duties, contrary to section 153(c) of the Customs Act
- Possession of illegally imported goods, contrary to section 155 of the Customs Act
- Smuggling, contrary to section 159(1) of the Customs Act
Both accused were released on an Undertaking and are scheduled to appear in court on March 26, 2026. As noted by authorities, these matters are before the court, and the allegations have not been proven.
Enforcement Partners
The Cornwall Regional Task Force (CRTF) is a joint enforcement team that includes the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), CBSA, and the Ontario Ministry of Finance. The task force works alongside trusted partners in the United States to address cross-border crime around the Cornwall and Akwesasne region.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges of cross-border smuggling in and around Cornwall and the Akwesasne area. Illicit tobacco and nicotine products are not only linked to significant tax losses but also often intersect with broader organized crime networks that can fuel violence, weapons trafficking, and other serious offences across Canada and the United States.
Residents living near border regions should remain alert to unusual activity, such as frequent late-night vehicle movements near waterways, rural roads, or known crossing routes, and vehicles loading or unloading large, unmarked boxes in secluded areas. If you observe behaviour that appears related to smuggling or large-scale contraband distribution, do not approach or intervene directly. Instead, record as many details as you safely can—such as location, time, vehicle description, and direction of travel—and report it to local police, the RCMP, or Crime Stoppers. Community reporting is a critical tool that helps enforcement partners disrupt smuggling networks and reduce the harms associated with illegal markets.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the canada community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.