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Clovis Cyr, 78, of Grand Falls was sentenced to two months in provincial jail after he appeared in Grand Falls provincial court on June 13.

During an earlier court appearance, Cyr had pleaded guilty to charges of illegally smuggling 31.5 litres of alcohol into Canada on Feb. 22 in Grand Falls; attempting to obstruct a Customs officer from searching his vehicle; failing to present merchandise for examination; failing to declare 31.5 litres of alcohol in his possession; and making a false oral declaration.

"On Feb. 22, at 11:14 p.m., Cyr was at the Canadian Customs port in Grand Falls. He told Customs officer André Ouellette that he had nothing to declare, no alcohol or tobacco," stated Crown prosecutor Pat Murchison. "After being told that a search would be made of his vehicle, Cyr took off and accelerated on Main Street. The Customs officer saw him turn into a nearby street, back up and continue on his way towards town. Town Police were called."

"The Customs agent checked the site where the vehicle had turned into. There were tire tracks in the fresh snow. He found three boxes. Each contained six 1.65L bottles of vodka, rhum and whisky. Police returned to the Customs port with Cyr and his car," Murchison added.

Cyr's criminal record was introduced to the court. It included numerous fines and a 21-day jail term for similar offences.

"It's clear from his pre-sentence report that he does not need to commit such offences for money," Murchison said. "However, it was done for a financial gain. Despite his age and health problems, we have no choice but to request a jail term. The message must be sent that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."

"He was paid to cross the alcohol products through the border. He makes irrational and hasty decisions," stated Legal Aid defence lawyer Louis Picard. "He does not recall many instances of the evening in question, possibly because of his state of health. He receives an annual revenue of $25,000 and he says he can pay a fine."

"His priors are all related to the same type of offences," stated Judge Jacques Desjardins. "In February, he's at it again despite having served 21 days in the past and paid fines. He attempted to evade the authorities and consciously dumped his merchandise in an effort to hide the liquor, and then continued on his route. I have a hard time believing that with his record he doesn't remember what he did. Since 1992, 16 years, he hasn't learned his lesson and persists. I can't accept the excuse that he is 78 years old and under medication."

In addition to the two-month jail term, Judge Desjardins sentenced Cyr to pay $200 in surcharges or spend four additional days in jail in default of payment. Cyr told the court that he preferred to spend the extra four days in jail rather than pay the surcharges.