Traffic complaint leads to large tobacco and drug seizure in Saint John
Two men were arrested and investigators seized thousands of contraband cigarettes, cocaine and other items after a traffic complaint led Saint John police to a vehicle stopped on the west side of Riverview Drive, according to a police statement.
Officers who attended the scene found the vehicle idling in the road with both the driver and passenger unconscious inside. Police say they observed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and placed both men under arrest before conducting a search.
Items seized during the search included two cases of illegal cigarettes — a total amounting to about 18,500 cigarettes — approximately 12 grams of cocaine, various pills, a digital scale, two cellphones, drug paraphernalia and cash totalling $2,290 in Canadian currency.
"Approximately 18,500 cigarettes"
Police estimated the street value of the drugs at about $1,200. The 35-year-old driver was charged with impaired driving. Both the driver and the 34-year-old passenger face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of tobacco products for the purpose of sale, the release said.
- Location: Riverview Drive, west side, Saint John.
- Arrestees: a 35-year-old man (driver) and a 34-year-old man (passenger).
- Court date: both released and due to appear in provincial court on Jan. 11, 2027.
The arrests and seizures underline an ongoing concern for law enforcement about the illegal tobacco trade and its links to other criminal activity. Contraband cigarettes, often not marked with Canadian excise stamps and sold outside regulated retail channels, can be a significant source of untaxed revenue for illicit networks. Police agencies provincially and federally have for years warned that such products can be connected to drug trafficking and other offences.
Investigators did not provide further details about the ownership of the seized goods or whether the men arrested are known to police. No additional charges or follow-up enforcement actions were announced in the initial release.
| Seized item | Quantity / value |
|---|---|
| Illegal cigarettes | About 18,500 cigarettes (two cases) |
| Cocaine | Approximately 12 grams (street value ≈ $1,200) |
| Cash | $2,290 |
| Other | Various pills, digital scale, two cellphones, drug paraphernalia |
Residents on Riverview Drive and nearby communities have in past years raised concerns about traffic safety and isolated incidents of illicit activity. This incident, prompted by a traffic complaint, highlights how routine calls can lead to wider investigations when officers attend the scene.
Both men were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in provincial court on Jan. 11, 2027. Police encourage anyone with information about the illegal tobacco trade or related offences to contact the Saint John Police Force.
The seizure will likely be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts by municipal and provincial authorities to curb contraband tobacco distribution, reduce impaired driving incidents and address drug trafficking within the region.
