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A man who was caught smuggling nearly 4,000 kilograms of cheese into Canada last year has been handed a significant fine.
Haissam Azaar, 50, must pay a $30,000 fine within five years, with a minimum payment of $1,000 per year.
He attempted to enter Canada through the Lansdowne port of entry with the undeclared cheese on Jan. 10, 2018.
Officers referred him for a secondary examination where the eight skids of cheese, totalling around 3,990kg, were discovered.
He was arrested and charged with smuggling under section 159 of the Customs Act.
“Seizures like this serve as a reminder of the vital role CBSA officers play in preventing risks to Canada’s food safety as well as contributing to Canada’s economic security,” said Darren Frank from the CBSA.
Azaar pleaded guilty and was sentenced in a Brockville, Ont. court earlier this month.
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