An estimated 50 contraband tobacco manufacturers are operating on First Nations land in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, according to an internal law enforcement document cited by the National Post.

Another 10 manufacturers are believed to operate on the US side of the Akwesasne Mohawk territory, which straddles the borders of Ontario, Quebec and New York State. The story on the National Post website cited a Royal Canadian Mounted Police briefing document sent to federal Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney earlier this year.
Organised crime groups are behind the illicit sites, the Post reported. “These illegal products are then transported through a national pipeline for sale to consumers as a cheaper alternative to legitimate tobacco products, thereby making it more accessible to youth”, the document reportedly states.