Hwy. 17 traffic stop reveals thousands of cartons of unmarked cigarettes

Thousands of cartons of unmarked cigarettes seized More than $120,000 worth of contraband cigarettes were seized by police in northwestern Ontario during a Highway 17 traffic stop.

Provincial police busted driver in northwestern Ontario with more than two dozen cases – 2,200 cartons – of unmarked cigarettes.

Hwy 17 Traffick stop - unmarked cigarettes Provincial busted driver in northwestern Ontario with more than two dozen cases – 2,200 cartons – of unmarked cigarettes. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 in the Township of Ignace after observing the vehicle had only one working headlight on Saturday.

“Upon further investigation, large cases of unmarked cigarettes were observed in the rear of the vehicle,” said police on social media.

“32 cases were located inside the vehicle. There were 2,200 cartons. This totals up to 440,000 of contraband cigarettes.”

Police said the estimated value of the tobacco is $128,000.

The driver was charged with possession of unmarked cigarettes and possession of unmarked cigarettes for sale contrary in addition to the driving without proper headlights traffic offence.

The vehicle involved was also impounded for seven days according to police.

Vehicle with unmarked cigarettes Provincial busted driver in northwestern Ontario with more than two dozen cases – 2,200 cartons – of unmarked cigarettes. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)