A Windsor man and woman have been arrested for allegedly selling and distributing contraband tobacco in the Windsor area.

Windsor RCMP officers investigated and executed a search warrant at a convenience store on Westcott Street on June 28.

“Contraband tobacco presents a serious threat to public safety in Canada by contributing to the growth of organized crime,” says Insp. Serge Cote, officer in charge at the Windsor detachment. “The RCMP is committed to targeting this type of crime to ensure communities remain safe.

Police seized 220 cartons of illegal cigarettes, a vehicle and approximately $6,000 in cash.

Diana Hanzel, 41, and Ali Gias Hanzel, 42 are facing charges and are scheduled to appear in Windsor provincial court on Aug. 5.

Anyone with information about the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco products can contact a local police department or the nearest RCMP detachment at 519-967-4353 ext. (255) or 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).