A new campaign looks to slow the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco in New Brunswick.
It is a partnership between New Brunswick Crime Stoppers and the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
RCMP Sgt. Julie Goulet, the provincial coordinator of Crime Stoppers, said more than half of tobacco products sold in the province are illegal.
“Profits from their sale fund criminal organization activity throughout the province, which takes a tremendous toll on communities and families,” said Goulet.
Figures provided by New Brunswick Crime Stoppers show violent crime was up 2.1 per cent in 2023 and opioid-related deaths jumped 32 per cent.
In addition, there were 21 cases of human trafficking reported in 2022 and 2023, accounting for 45 per cent of all cases recorded since 2013.
“People think they’re saving a few bucks when they buy illegal cigarettes. What they’re really doing is putting money directly into the pockets of criminals who exploit vulnerable people, commit violent acts,
and flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said Goulet.
The campaign, entitled “Not So Cheap,” includes both social media and out-of-home advertisements that mimic the look of cigarette warning labels, featuring graphic imagery that highlights the real-world consequences of illegal tobacco.
Goulet added that the message is simple: illegal tobacco is too costly for communities and families.
