Brothers plead guilty to cross-border tobacco smuggling at Niagara crossing

Two brothers have plead guilty to charges related to a tobacco smuggling investigation, say Canadian border officers.

James and Jason McDuffie, both 53 years old, were accused of attempting to smuggle 45,620 kg of contraband tobacco across the border in a commercial truck.

The Canada Border Services Agency launched an investigation into the McDuffie brothers following the smuggling attempt. Border services officers at the Queenston Bridge port of entry in Niagara-on-the-Lake seized tobacco on three separate occasions in 2021 and 2022.

CBSA officers say the brothers’ smuggling activity totaled up to $17.5 million in evaded duties and taxes.

James McDuffie pled guilty to making false statements under the Customs Act. He received nine months’ house arrest, followed by two years probation.

Jason McDuffie pled guilty to two counts of smuggling under the Customs Act and two counts of possession of unstamped tobacco under the Excise Act. He received a conditional sentence of two years less a day on house arrest, probation for one year, and 200 hours of community service.

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is asked to contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

READ MORE: Man draws gun on Niagara police during arrest, charged with multiple firearms offences