The Canada Border Services Agency reported charges against four individuals following a joint investigation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police into an alleged tobacco smuggling operation involving nearly 116,000 kilograms. The accused allegedly transported tobacco from the United States into Canada and between Canadian provinces from October 2020 to April 2024. The operation involved the railway network. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada supported the investigation. The charges were laid on Sept. 21, 2026. All four accused face conspiracy charges relating to smuggling, transporting tobacco, possessing raw leaf tobacco and evading excise requirements. Additional charges vary by defendant and include handling illegally imported goods, falsifying or destroying records and customs violations. Johnny Gamboa and Avikesh Sharma also face charges of possessing property obtained by crime worth more than CAD 5,000. The four accused are scheduled to appear at Toronto Provincial Court on Oct. 29, 2026.
Canada Border Services Agency reports four charged in alleged tobacco smuggling operation involving nearly 116,000 kilograms
The Canada Border Services Agency reported charges against four individuals over the alleged illegal transport of nearly 116,000 kilograms of tobacco from the United States into Canada and between provinces during 2020–2024. The joint investigation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police received support from the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. All four face conspiracy charges, while two also face charges of possessing property obtained by crime worth more than CAD 5,000.