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Akwesasne & Cornwall Residents Arrested In Smuggling Ring

Story Published: Sep 27, 2012 at 5:27 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 27, 2012 at 5:27 PM EDT

After a year-long investigation, officials have broken up a major international smuggling ring involving contraband tobacco, marijuana and firearms that passed through Akwesasne Mohawk Territory into Canada.
 
Twelve people from Akwesasne and Cornwall, Ontario, are facing a total of 83 charges including smuggling, participating in the activities of a criminal organization and the possession of proceeds of crime.

In addition, the Ontario Ministry of Finance has lodged an additional 115 charges under the Ontario Tobacco Tax Act.

Authorities say Project OSTONE began in 2011 and initially focused on a group allegedly involved in the smuggling of tobacco.

Among the items seized were 401 cases of contraband tobacco products and 11 pounds of marijuana.

United States Border Enforcement Security Task Force agents and several Canadian police agencies were able to gather evidence into the alleged illegal activities of the group which also involved firearms and drug trafficking.
 
Akwesasne residents charged include:
 
- Albert Frank Jocko Jr.
- Trevor Jacob Jocko, 33
- Jordan Lazore, 20
- Seth Lazore, 28
- Brian Montgomery, 35
- Elvis Thompson, 55
- Jack Thompson, 27
 
Charges include:
 
- unlawful possession and sale of tobacco products
- trafficking in a controlled substance
- weapons trafficking
- possession of property obtained in a crime
- participation in activities of criminal organization
- conspiracy
Sunday, May 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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