New Brunswick

Over 327,000 illegal cigarettes seized in Saint John

More than 325,000 illegal cigarettes were seized in Saint John on Nov. 16. Two suspects were arrested, and then released with a promise to appear in court.

Tax value of cigarettes estimated at $72,800, Department of Justice says

More than 327,000 illegal cigarettes were seized in Saint John last week.

Two suspects were arrested and then released with a promise to appear in court.

The operation Nov. 16 was carried out with assistance from the RCMP, Saint John and Kennebecasis Valley police and the Canada Border Services Agency, said a news release Thursday from the provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety.

The government estimated the tax value of the 327,121 seized cigarettes at $72,800. The release said the province loses $13 million a year in tax revenue to sales of contraband tobacco.

Two vehicles and $45,000 in cash were also seized in the operation, the release said.