RCMP are investigating after 425.36 grams of fine cut tobacco and 348,200 cigarettes believed to have been manufactured in the United States and smuggled into Canada were seized from three vehicles travelling eastbound on Highway 401 in South Glengarry within three days.

The first seizure happened when Ontario Provincial Police stopped a 1996 Toyota Avalon travelling eastbound just after 2 p.m. Wednesday. After stopping the vehicle, OPP officers located 891 resealable bags of contraband cigarettes and 100 cartons of Putter's Light brand cigarettes covered with a black sheet inside the vehicle.

Upon locating the illegal smokes, OPP officers called the RCMP to assist with the seizure, estimated to be worth $21,802.

Ten minutes later, OPP officers pulled over a 1997 GM Sunfire where they located 750 resealable bags of contraband cigarettes valued at $17,600.

The 25-year-old male driver of the first vehicle and the 21-year-old female driver of the second vehicle were arrested at the scene and charged with possession of unstamped tobacco. Both are residents of Kahnawake, Que. and are scheduled to appear in Alexandria court Nov. 5.

Garbage bags of fine-cut tobacco

Police said the third bust on the eastern Ontario highway came early Friday morning when OPP stopped a 2000 Ford pick-up truck. As the officer approached the stopped vehicle, the driver allegedly sped away before colliding with a transport truck and fleeing on foot.

Police later located 21 garbage bags of fine cut tobacco estimated to be worth $38,284 inside the truck. Police are continuing their hunt for the driver and said their investigation is ongoing.

Program to clamp down on illegal tobacco sales

The seizures come the same week the federal government outlined plans to implement a new border security feature to help clamp down on illegal tobacco sales in Canada.

Federal Revenue Minister Gordon O'Connor said Thursday the introduction of a new excise stamp, which is expected to be ready to roll out in 2010, will allow police and enforcement authorities to better detect illegal tobacco products.

The government estimates it loses $2 billion in lost taxes because of the underground cigarette industry.