Four people have been arrested and more than 4.3 million contraband cigarettes seized after three investigations in May and June.
Conducted by peace officers from the Department of Justice and Public Safety with support from other law enforcement agencies, the investigations also resulted in the seizure of cannabis products, a firearm, vehicles and other investigations.
“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,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin.
Gauvin added it also reinforces why the provincial government is investing dedicated tobacco enforcement resources to improve New Brunswick’s ability to deal with this kind of illegal activity.
Justice and Public Safety officers have seized about 8.27 million contraband cigarettes so far in 2026.
The combined federal and provincial tax value of the product is about $3.72 million.
“These investigations are about much more than illegal cigarettes,” said Gauvin.
“The illegal tobacco trade is often connected to organized crime and other criminal activity that can threaten the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Gauvin added when law enforcement is able to disrupt these operations, it helps address broader criminal networks and protect New Brunswickers.
Results of the investigations
On May 15, Justice and Public Safety peace officers, working with the RCMP, conducted a safety checkpoint on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Saint-Jacques district of Edmundston.
Officers intercepted a truck towing a cargo trailer and arrested a 32-year-old man from Ontario.
A search of the vehicle and trailer resulted in the seizure of:
- 3,510,000 unstamped cigarettes
- a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 truck
- an enclosed cargo trailer
On June 13, Justice and Public Safety peace officers, with support from the Miramichi Police Force, Quebec Provincial Police and the Ontario Ministry of Finance, arrested a 36-year-old man and a 42-year-old man from the Miramichi region.
Officers intercepted a truck towing a cargo trailer and arrested the driver and passenger. 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 THC edibles
- a number of cannabis pre-rolls, other drugs and vape cartridges
On June 15, Justice and Public Safety peace officers, with support from the RCMP, arrested a 37-year-old man from the Fredericton region as part of an ongoing contraband tobacco investigation.
Officers intercepted a truck and arrested the driver. A search 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 and the Tobacco Tax Act.
