Clarenville RCMP has recently charged four individuals—50-year-old Trent Smith

Clarenville RCMP has recently charged four individuals—50-year-old Trent Smith, 50-year-old Trevor Smith, 78-year-old Chesley Smith, all from Clarenville, and 54-year-old Shawn Avery from Hillview—in connection with a contraband tobacco investigation ongoing in 2024.
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In late February 2024, Clarenville RCMP partnered with officers from Nova Scotia's Northeast RCMP Traffic Services and Service Nova Scotia to undertake a joint investigation. On March 2, 2024, Trent Smith was apprehended in a transport truck at the ferry terminal in North Sydney, where authorities discovered he was carrying 760,000 contraband cigarettes, with an estimated tax value of $250,000, $30,000 in cash, and over 3,000 methamphetamine pills—all intended for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Not a valid attachment ID. Continuing the investigation, Clarenville RCMP, with the help of RCMP NL's East District General Investigation Section and Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant on March 3, 2024, at C&D Transport's warehouse in Deep Bight. The search resulted in the seizure of: - 1,518,000 contraband cigarettes, valued at over $493,000 in taxes - A quantity of methamphetamine pills - A quantity of cash - A 53-foot commercial trailer - A 27-foot cargo trailer On February 6, 2025, following a thorough review of the evidence collected, formal charges were filed by RCMP NL against Trent Smith, Trevor Smith, Chesley Smith, and Shawn Avery. The defendants appeared in court on March 13, 2025, facing multiple charges under the Criminal Code, Excise Act, 2001, and the Revenue Administration Act, including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, transporting unstamped tobacco products, possession of unstamped tobacco products, possession for the purpose of selling unstamped tobacco products, and distribution of unstamped tobacco products. A subsequent court hearing is set for April 24, 2025. Many people remain unaware of the serious implications of the illicit tobacco trade, including its ties to organized crime. Profits generated from illegal tobacco sales often finance other criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. Methamphetamine, a highly addictive substance, poses considerable risks to the health and safety of both users and the wider public. The RCMP NL is dedicated to combatting drug-related crime and organized crime in the province and encourages anyone with information about illegal activities to reach out to local authorities or Crime Stoppers. For additional details, visit: [RCMP Press Release](https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2024/northeast-rcmp-traffic-services-cape-breton-charge-man-drug-trafficking)

Source @RCMP

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