Derek White NASCAR, Tobacco Sting Arrest

© Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

NASCAR driver arrested in epic tobacco-smuggling sting, reports say - NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Derek White reportedly was arrested Wednesday as part of what authorities are say is the biggest tobacco-smuggling bust in North American history.

Sgt. Daniel Thibaudeau of the Quebec Provincial Police told NBC Sports that White, 45, is believed to have been a high-ranking member of the smuggling operation. It centered on purchasing tobacco leaf in North Carolina and transporting it across the border for redistribution in Canada. Profits from the tobacco were used to buy cocaine, police said.

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White, a member of the Mohawk tribe in Kahnawake, Quebec, turned himself in to police Wednesday after learning a warrant had been issued for his arrest, NBC Sports reported. He faces seven charges related to smuggling.

The Kahnawake chief peacekeeper and police sources confirmed to Bloomberg that White was one of three people arrested from the tribe.

The sting operation targeted 70 residences and businesses in Quebec and Ontario and involved nearly 700 law enforcement officers across Canada and the United States. Police said they seized 52,800 kilograms of tobacco, 836 kilograms of cocaine, 21 kilograms of methamphetamine and 35 pounds of marijuana.

Almost 60 arrests were made in all.

White has started in 22 Xfinity races since 2012. Last year, he became the first Native American driver to race in the Sprint Cup Series, competing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.