Four people have been arrested following three investigations by the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety (JPS), which resulted in the seizure of contraband and 4.3 million cigarettes.
JPS said peace officers also seized cannabis products, a firearm, vehicles and other evidence.
“These seizures demonstrate the important work being done by our peace officers and law enforcement partners to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade and protect New Brunswick communities,” Robert Gauvin, the Minister of Public Safety, said in the release. “They also reinforce why our government is investing in dedicated tobacco enforcement resources to strengthen our ability to combat this illegal activity.”
JPS outlined the three investigations.
Saint-Jacques District near Edmundston
A truck towing a cargo trailer was stopped at a safety checkpoint on the Trans-Canada Highway near Edmundston. A 32-year-old man from Ontario was arrested on May 15.
Following a search of the vehicle, officers seized 3.51 million unstamped cigarettes, a 2022 GMC Sierra truck and an enclosed cargo trailer.
Miramichi Region
Two men, 36 and 42, from the Miramichi region were arrested following the traffic stop of a truck towing a cargo trailer on June 13.
A search of the vehicle and trailer resulted in the seizure of a 2024 Ford F-150 truck, 739,000 unstamped cigarettes, 1.5 kilograms of dried cannabis, 65 packages of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) edibles, a number of cannabis pre-rolls, other drugs and vape cartridges.
Fredericton Region
A 37-year-old man from the Fredericton region was arrested on June 15 after a truck was stopped by peace officers with JPS.
An investigation of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a 2024 GMC truck, 150,013 unstamped cigarettes, a Remington 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition and other weapons.
Those arrested are facing charges under the Excise Act, the Criminal Code of Canada and the Tobacco Tax Act.
JPS has seized about 8.27 million contraband cigarettes in 2026. The combined federal and provincial tax value of the seized product is about $3.72 million.
“These investigations are about much more than illegal cigarettes,” said Gauvin. “By seizing contraband tobacco, along with firearms and other illegal items, our peace officers and law enforcement partners are making New Brunswick safer.”
According to the provincial government, contraband cigarettes undermine community safety, increase youth access to nicotine, expose users to unregulated products that may contain harmful substances, undermine New Brunswick’s smoking cessation programs, increase the risk of smoking-related illness, and place additional pressure on the health-care system.
“Residents are encouraged to report the trafficking of contraband tobacco or cannabis, or any other criminal matters, to law enforcement. Information can be shared with the Department of Justice and Public Safety by calling 1-877-826-2122, anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 mobile app, or through Secure Web Tips on the Crime Stoppers website.”
