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Part four of our five-part series on the contraband tobacco industry.

Father Jacques Labelle spies them at night from his rectory window, and later often has to fix the damage they leave behind. Perched on the edge of the St. Lawrence River, his Precious Blood Catholic Church boasts a picturesque setting — and ideal conditions for the army of cigarette runners who work the unique neighbourhood.

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Smugglers routinely unload their contraband on the church’s concrete dock, nicely hidden from the nearby highway, then pack the goods into vans that speed across the sloping church yard, leaving deep ruts.

Once, they failed to make it off the grass, their vehicle becoming mired in mud and the smugglers — both teenagers —arrested.

“The vehicles are coming and going and it’s done in a matter of minutes,” said Father Jacques. “They’re very aggressive and some have no respect for other people’s property.”