A year-long investigation has uncovered a group allegedly responsible for smuggling tobacco, marijuana and firearms between the United States and Canada. The investigation led to the arrest of 12 people from Cornwall, Ontario, and the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory on Wednesday. They face 83 charges.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police worked with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies on both sides of the border for this investigation. The operation, called Project OSTONE, began in 2011.

While originally meant to stop the smuggling of tobacco products, investigators allege that the group was also dealing in marijuana and weapons.

“As the investigation kept on going it became apparent that a certain group was more organized than just trying to make more money spur-of-the-moment using smuggling,” said Jean Juneau, spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Over the course of the investigation police seized 401 cases of contraband tobacco products and 11 pounds of marijuana.

The following individuals face charges:

■ Leonard Cyr, 69, Corwall.

■ David F. Delormier, 30, South Glengarry.

■ Brian Gowan, 49, Cornwall.

■ Albert Frank Jocko Jr.., Akwesasne Territory.

■ Trevor Jacob Jocko, 33, Akwesasne Territory.

■ Jordan Lazore, 20, Akwesasne Territory.

■ Seth Lazore, 28, Akwesasne Territory.

■ Jamie MacDougall, 32, South Glengarry.

■ Brian Montgomery, 35,Akwesasne Territory,

■ Jurgen Reichwein, 50, Cornwall Ontario,

■ Elvis Thompson, 55, Akwesasne Territory,

■ Jack Thompson, 27, Akwesasne Territory,

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