Release
Department of Justice and Public Safety
May 01, 2026
SAINT JOHN (GNB) – A 41-year-old man and a 30-year-woman from Saint John have been arrested and released pending their court appearance in July, in connection with the seizure of contraband tobacco products.
The arrests were made in relation to an ongoing investigation led by peace officers with the Department of Justice and Public Safety in Saint John.
Officers intercepted a truck towing a cargo trailer on March 26 and later arrested a male driver and female passenger. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 280,000 unstamped cigarettes, the vehicle itself and some currency.
The suspects are facing charges under Section 121.1(1) of the Criminal Code.
The health impact of contraband cigarettes is significant, as they:
- Undermine community safety.
- Increase youth access and the risk of early nicotine addiction.
- Expose users to unregulated products that may contain unknown and potentially harmful contents.
- Undermine smoking cessation programs.
- Contribute to higher rates of smoking-related illness.
- Place additional pressure on the health-care system.
Residents are encouraged to report the trafficking of contraband tobacco, 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 or it can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
01-05-26
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Media Contact(s)
Jade Emmanuel, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, [email protected].