OTTAWA — Canadian smokers who are trying to save a few bucks by purchasing contraband cigarettes may not realize that they are participating in a growing illicit industry that is now surpassing legal sales of tobacco in some parts of the country.

According to a new study commissioned by the Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC), which represents retailers and convenience stores across the country, contraband tobacco now accounts for 29 per cent of the market in Alberta, 38 per cent in Nova Scotia, 45 per cent in Manitoba, and a whopping 52 per cent in New Brunswick.