Four charged with 36 offences in cross-border rail tobacco smuggling case
A joint CBSA and RCMP investigation alleges nearly 116,000 kg of tobacco was moved into Canada and between provinces between October 2020 and April 2024.
Four Ontario residents face 36 charges after a multi-year joint investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP uncovered an alleged transnational, cross-provincial rail smuggling operation. The charges were announced in a CBSA news release dated October 28, 2026, from Regina, Saskatchewan.
Investigators allege the accused illegally transported nearly 116,000 kg of tobacco into Canada from the United States, as well as between provinces, between October 2020 and April 2024. The alleged scheme relied on the extended railway system to move the tobacco, according to the release.
On September 21, 2026, the four accused were charged with conspiracy to smuggle into Canada contrary to section 159(1) of the Customs Act, the CBSA said. Each accused also faces additional charges for their alleged roles. The specific charges vary by individual.
Johnny Gamboa, 48, of Toronto, and Rinnamoon Haddad, 50, of Caledon East, Ontario, were each charged with keeping, acquiring or disposing of illegally imported raw leaf tobacco contrary to section 155 of the Customs Act, among other counts, according to the release.
Harminder Grewal of Brampton faces charges including illegally dealing in imported goods, transporting tobacco, falsifying or destroying records, smuggling into Canada, and false statements or evasion of duties, TU News reported.
Avikesh Sharma, 49, of Mississauga, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, the release states.
The release does not state whether any of the accused have entered pleas. Gamboa, Grewal, Haddad and Sharma are scheduled to appear at Toronto Provincial Court on October 29, 2026.
Chief Superintendent Brad Wirachowsky, Acting Regional Commander of RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, said the investigation demonstrated the critical role of strong partnerships and coordinated efforts in combatting the illegal tobacco trade, according to a report.
A statement included in the CBSA release said the dismantling of the sophisticated smuggling operation spoke to the expertise of CBSA intelligence and border officers and the importance of partnerships with the RCMP and other collaborating law enforcement organizations.
The joint investigation was conducted by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region's Transnational Serious and Organized Crime team and the CBSA, the release said. The charges include offences under the Criminal Code, the Excise Act and the Customs Act.
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Sources and context
- Four charged in cross-border tobacco smuggling operation - Canada.cacanada.ca
- Canada authorities charge four in cross-border tobacco smuggling caseTU News
- Four charged in cross-border tobacco smuggling operationYahoo Finance
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.
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