Canadian authorities seized over 9 million contraband cigarettes and arrested 46 people

Canadian authorities seized over 9 million contraband cigarettes and arrested 46 people, including some North Country residents during a smuggling crackdown in the Cornwall area.According to officials, over 5,000 pounds of tobacco, 9.7 million cigarettes, and 50 cartons of flavored cigars were confiscated, along with 43 vehicles seized.Of the 46 people arrested, 8 were listed as Americans. According to the Watertown Daily Times, the as-yet unidentified people include residents of Hogansburg, Akwesasne and Rooseveltown.The 12-day enforcement blitz was coordinated by Royal Canadian Mounted Police with help from Canada Border Services Agency, Cornwall Community Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Quebec Provincial Police and Ontario Ministry of Revenue Special Investigations branch.Authorities said the tobacco was believed to have been manufactured in the United States and then smuggled into Canada.