Cornwall, ON – Four individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a human smuggling operation after a routine traffic stop in Cornwall uncovered eight people concealed in the back of a vehicle headed toward the United States.
The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations, and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS). The multi-agency operation, aimed at combating cross-border organized crime, revealed evidence leading to the traffic stop under the Excise Act.
According to police, the January 7, 2025, traffic stop conducted by OPP BEST and RCMP officers on a vehicle traveling toward the CBSA port of entry in Cornwall resulted in the discovery of eight individuals concealed in the rear compartment of the vehicle. Subsequent investigation led to the identification and arrest of two additional suspect vehicles, resulting in four individuals being charged.
Those Charged
- Charles Edwards, 58, of Akwesasne
- George Tooker, 54, of Akwesasne
- Ngoc Dung Le, 52, of Brossard, Quebec
- Huu Huan Nguyen, 43, of Anjou, Quebec
The accused have been charged with conspiracy to violate U.S. law under section 465(3) of the Criminal Code. All four have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on February 25, 2025.
Joint Efforts to Maintain Border Security
The investigation highlights the extensive cooperation between Canadian and U.S. agencies to maintain border integrity and combat organized crime activities related to human smuggling.
“The OPP has a significant role in assisting the RCMP and CBSA in maintaining border security,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “We will continue to identify, investigate, dismantle, and prosecute individuals who attempt to exploit our nation’s borders. Maintaining the integrity of our borders is of utmost importance, and we will continue to collaborate with our partners provincially, nationally, and internationally.”
Jag Johnston, Regional Director General for CBSA Northern Ontario Region, emphasized the importance of vigilance at border crossings: “CBSA officers and investigators remain vigilant in detecting and intercepting criminal activity at the border, including human smuggling. With our law enforcement partners, including OPP, AMPS, and RCMP, we prevent these dangerous acts and maintain the integrity of our immigration system.”
Assistant Commissioner Matt Peggs, Regional Commander for the RCMP’s Central Region, also underscored the value of inter-agency collaboration: “These arrests are another example of a decades-long partnership between multiple law enforcement and border protection agencies. By working together, we are enhancing our efforts to combat human smuggling and ensure the safety and security of Canadians and our borders.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active. The eight individuals found concealed in the vehicle have been detained, and charges may be laid depending on the outcome of further inquiries. Authorities encourage anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity to contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
