The London area RCMP have charged nine persons after investigating various groups that were allegedly involved in the production and distribution of illegal tobacco. The RCMP began their investigation after receiving information about several Southwestern Ontario tobacco growers were involved in producing more tobacco than they were legally allowed and selling the additional tobacco through the ‘black market’. RCMP determined that a number of growers and brokers were involved in the illegal sale of large amounts of raw leaf tobacco as well as finished tobacco products. The raids by police resulted in the nine arrests as well as the seizure of 6 trucks, 1 tractor, 1 car, 1 boat, 1 snowmobile and 1 motorcycle, Over 60 kilograms of marihuana, 950 marihuana plants, 2 bricks of hashish, small amounts of cocaine, Ketamine and MDMA, $85,000 cash, large amounts of raw leaf tobacco worth over $300,000 and 45 shotguns. The nine people have been charged with various offences relating to the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco under the Criminal Code, the Excise Act (2001) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The people arrested will be making court appearances over the next few weeks and further arrests and charges are anticipated.