A 23-year-old Moncton man who got caught in Salisbury with a truckload of more than two million illegal cigarettes has been ordered to pay fines totalling $1,330,600, at a rate of $200 per month.
Trevor Howie Dow appeared in Moncton Provincial Court yesterday in connection with the seizure of more than two million contraband tobacco cigarettes (10,800 cartons).
Dow was arrested on June 4, 2008, by Caledonia RCMP along with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Court was told that his vehicle was stopped for a motor vehicle infraction in the Salisbury area.
During the search, RCMP found 10,800 cartons of illegal cigarettes.
He pleaded guilty yesterday to violating federal and provincial laws. He was ordered to pay a fine of $367,200 under the Federal Excise Act, $962,400 under the provincial Tobacco Tax Act and a $1,000 fine also under the Provincial Tobacco Tax Act.
Judge Jolene Richard said the fines are predetermined and agreed with counsel's recommendation that Dow be permitted to pay a minimum of $200 per month toward his fines.
Defence counsel Scott Fowler said that it would take many years to pay the fines at a rate of $200 per month.
A maximum of five years was mentioned but there was no definitive answer on how long he would have to keep up on his payments of $200 per month.
Judge Richard ordered Dow to reappear in one year's time with his income tax forms and other financial statements so his ability to pay the fines would be reassessed. The monthly payments are based on an individual's income and ability to pay.
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