Provincial police mounted a series of raids in Montreal, Lanaudiere and the Laurentians this morning with an eye to dismantling a contraband tobacco ring.

130 officers from the SQ, several other police forces and Revenue Quebec investigators were in on the raids. 18 homes, businesses and warehouses were searched for contraband tobacco.

Provincial police spokesman Sergeant Benoit Richard says the operation went smoothly and no resistance was met. 

He adds that the owners of some of the buildings were not on the spot and will be met later by investigators.

Two suspects are under arrest: 35 year old Martin Latour from Lasalle and 59-year old Jocelyn Lapierre of Charlemagne.