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MONTREAL - Police in Quebec say they have broken up a car-theft ring whose members towed luxury SUVs and sedans and had them shipped to Africa by container ship.

"We're talking about a structured network," Quebec provincial police Sgt. Joyce Kemp said.

Thieves targeted mainly Toyota vehicles parked at hotels around Trudeau Airport.

The stolen vehicles were stored in a barn outside the city.

They were then placed in containers, transported to the Port of Montreal and shipped to Africa.

"A dozen raids and arrests are expected," said Sgt. Kemp.

Police seized at least 12 vehicles Tuesday. Local police forces were involved in the raids that began at dawn.