Police have made a major seizure of contraband cigarettes in central Newfoundland.

The RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit in Gander initiated an investigation two weeks ago.

Yesterday, three people were arrested after a search of two transport trucks and a passenger van resulted in the seizure of 3,000 cartons of contraband tobacco, along with a quantity of Canadian currency.

One carton of contraband tobacco can sell for $40 to $50 on the street, putting the street value in the range of $120,000 to $150,000.

The three suspects have been released, but charges are pending.