On August 29, 2025, investigators from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) took part in the extradition from Mexico of Martin Bessette, a 50-year-old Canadian citizen charged with tobacco smuggling. Legal proceedings against him can now resume.
On June 15, 2022, Mr. Bessette pled guilty to eight counts under the Customs Act, the Excise Act, 2001 and the Criminal Code, in relation to his involvement in a criminal contraband tobacco network. The charges were laid following a CBSA investigation that began in 2018, known as Project Butane, which targeted the leaders and truck drivers of a tobacco smuggling network engaged in fraudulent activities estimated at more than $450 million.
On September 29, 2022, Mr. Bessette failed to appear at his sentencing trial, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The CBSA's search for Mr. Bessette revealed that he was in Mexico. The Canadian authorities submitted an extradition request to the Mexican authorities, and Mr. Bessette was arrested in Mexico in March 2025.
On August 29, 2025, Mr. Bessette appeared before a judge of the Court of Québec, who ordered his detention pending further legal proceedings.
CBSA officers and investigators are highly vigilant with regard to tobacco smuggling. In addition to damaging the Canadian economy, profits from illegal tobacco trade often help finance other organized crime activities, such as human trafficking, firearms trafficking, and drug trafficking. All offenders are liable to sanctions and legal proceedings.
The CBSA thanks the Mexican authorities for their assistance in this investigation.
