A Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-lac resident was pulled over by Peacekeepers officers in Kahnawake while trying to purchase cigarettes despite the fact that tobacco stores are currently closed, on May 11, around 3:15 PM. He was given a $1,000 ticket, which he promptly threw at an officer before a minor car pursuit occurred.
The man, in his sixties, will be facing charges, but wasn’t arrested at the time of the event. He will be summoned, informs Kyle Zachary, responsible for public relations for the Peacekeepers.
“If he thinks he can just ignore it, that’s not how it works”, he adds. “A warrant could be issued”
Even with all the signs installed, a number of non-locals are still trying to buy cigarettes, he says.
“We see them (non-locals) driving slowly and looking through the store windows. Residents are also calling us when they see them knocking on doors. It’s a dangerous thing to do right now”, he advised.
The reason why the territory is closed is “mainly because the community is really close, and we have a fairly high number of elderly. If one person gets COVID-19, it will likely spread very quickly”, explains Zachary.
He specified that Kahnwake residents are following the rules issued by the government in regards to gatherings.
Since the measures were put in place, 229 tickets have been issued to non-locals by the Kahnawake Peacekeepers. Patrols are circulating to ensure the restrictions are being respected. However, gas stations are still open.
