CBSA Extradites Canadian Citizen from Mexico on Tobacco Smuggling Charges

Source: CBSA

Montreal, August 30, 2025 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that on August 29, 2025, it extradited 50-year-old Canadian citizen Martin Bessette from Mexico to face ongoing court proceedings related to tobacco smuggling.

On June 15, 2022, Bessette pleaded guilty to eight counts under the Customs Act, the Excise Act, 2001, and the Criminal Code, in connection with his role in a large-scale criminal network involved in contraband tobacco smuggling. The charges stemmed from Project Butane, a CBSA-led investigation launched in 2018 that uncovered fraudulent activities worth over $450 million.

On September 29, 2022, Bessette failed to appear in court for sentencing, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Following extensive efforts, CBSA investigators determined that he was residing in Mexico. Canadian authorities filed an extradition request, resulting in his arrest in March 2025.

On August 29, 2025, Bessette appeared before a Quebec Court judge, who ordered his detention pending further judicial proceedings.

The CBSA stresses that tobacco smuggling not only harms Canada’s economy but also often finances other forms of organized crime, including human trafficking, firearms trafficking, and narcotics.

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“The CBSA is committed to disrupting criminal networks that profit from illegal trade. The extradition of this individual involved in tobacco smuggling highlights the Agency’s joint efforts with partners to combat organized crime and protect our borders.”

— Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Quebec Region, CBSA