Canada, US police bust major cheese smuggling ring

OTTAWA (AFP) - Canadian and United States (US) authorities have busted a cross-border cheese smuggling ring that brought C$200,000 worth (S$250,000) of mozzarella into Canada undeclared and without paying duties.

Four men, including two Canadian policemen, were foiled in the caper to also distribute the dairy products - as well as chicken wings and pickles - to pizzerias and other restaurants in southern Ontario for an estimated profit of C$165,000, Niagara Regional Police said.

They each face several charges including conspiracy, smuggling and breach of trust.

A conviction carries fines and possible jail time.