Canada authorities charge four in cross-border tobacco smuggling case
Canadian authorities are advancing a multi-year enforcement case tied to an alleged rail-linked tobacco smuggling network spanning the U.S. border and multiple provinces. Investigators allege nearly 116,000 kilograms of tobacco moved illegally into Canada and across provincial lines between October 2020 and April 2024.
Highlights
- RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency charged four individuals with 36 offenses involving cross-border tobacco smuggling on September 21, 2026.
- The alleged operation moved tobacco using railways, with charges including smuggling, evading duties, falsifying records, and possession of property obtained by crime.
- Avikesh Sharma of Mississauga faces a specific charge: possession of property obtained by crime exceeding C$5,000.
Investigation scope and charges
As reported by Canada.ca, a joint investigation by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Transnational Serious and Organized Crime team in Saskatchewan and the Canada Border Services Agency has led to 36 charges against four individuals under the Criminal Code, the Excise Act and the Customs Act.Investigators say the alleged operation used the extended railway system to move tobacco. On Sept. 21, 2026, authorities charged the four accused with conspiracy-related offences including smuggling into Canada, transporting tobacco, possessing raw leaf tobacco and evading compliance under federal law.
Each accused also faces additional charges tied to their alleged role in the operation. Johnny Gamboa of Toronto faces multiple counts including illegally dealing in imported goods, transporting tobacco, falsifying or destroying records, making false statements or evading duties, smuggling into Canada, and possession of property obtained by crime. Harminder Grewal of Brampton faces charges including illegally dealing in imported goods, transporting tobacco, falsifying or destroying records, smuggling into Canada, and false statements or evasion of duties.
Rinnamoon Haddad of Caledon East faces charges including illegally dealing in imported goods, transporting tobacco, falsifying or destroying records, and false statements or evasion of duties. Avikesh Sharma of Mississauga is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over C$5,000.
Our earlier article on Malaysia’s review of enforcement around foreign products entering the domestic market explained how authorities planned tighter inter-agency coordination as digital trade expands and overseas sellers gain ground. It also noted work on an e-Commerce Bill and initiatives like the “Jom Beli Produk Malaysia” campaign, alongside funding aimed at helping local SMEs compete and reach wider markets.
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