Hamilton man charged after $100K worth of contraband tobacco seized: OPP

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Published February 3, 2022 at 10:38 am

A Hamilton man has been arrested and charged in connection to a months-long investigation that resulte din the seizure of more than $100,000 worth of contraband tobacco.

According to a press release issued by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), five search warrnats were executed last week in Hamilton, Brantford, Grimsby, North York and Oakville following a five-month investigation.

The operation resulted in the seizure of:

  • 290,000 Contraband tobacco cigarettes (sticks)
  • 9,000 Grams of contraband chewing tobacco
  • Approximately CAD$15,000
  • Approximately US$9,000

The OPP said the estimated street value of the contraband tobacco is more than CAD$100,000.

Police have arrested and charged 54-year-old Nafiz Fajem of Hamilton with:

  • Trafficking contraband tobacco contrary to Section 121.1 of the Criminal Code
  • Fraud over $5,000 contrary to Section 380(1) of the Criminal Code

Fajem was released and is scheduled to appear at an Ontario Court of Justice in Hamilton on April 29, 2022.

The investigation remains ongoing, the OPP said, and further charges will be laid if applicable.

Members of the OPP’s Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team, the OPP Emergency Response Team and OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau were assisted by the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in carrying out the investigation.

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