The federal government is cracking down on contraband tobacco.
Justice Minister Peter Mackay made the announcement during a stop at the Greater Moncton International Airport.
He says the new tackling contraband tobacco act gives law enforcement agencies the tools they need to better target those involved in this widespread illegal activity. It gives them more power to deal with those who are producing, distributing and trafficking illegal cigarettes.
The act amends the criminal code to prohibit other offences related to contraband tobacco, including possession for the purposes of selling as well as transportation, distribution and delivery.
Mackay says illegal tobacco is often linked to other organized crime, and with New Brunswick being a border province, this is an issue that border agencies deal with on a regular basis.
He says the government felt it needed to act in an effort to protect communities and young people. He says cheap tobacco often lures in young people to take up the habit.
