The RCMP have announced what it says is the largest seizure of drugs and money in the territory's history.

That was the pronouncement of Asst. Commissioner Lisa Moreland, regional commander of the Northwest Region, Federal Policing.

The seizure, which happened on Feb. 4, includes more than $360,000 in cash and about five kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $950,000.

"We believe this is the largest drug seizure as well as money seizure in the history of the Northwest Territories," said Moreland at a press conference at the Yellowknife RCMP detachment on Friday afternoon.

According to police, the RCMP's Federal Arctic Unit launched an investigation on drug traffickers within the territory last fall to try and disrupt their operations.

On Feb. 4, police executed search warrants at two properties in the city and on a vehicle. The first property was located somewhere downtown - the location wasn't given - while the second was an apartment in the School Draw area.

Three people were arrested as a result of the investigation: Sapphire Ingram, 25, from Edmonton; Nuridin Ali, 30, from Toronto; and Brandon Alexander Thomas, 30, from Toronto. Each of the accused have been charged with trafficking cocaine, along with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a prohibited weapon.

All three have been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

None of the accused are NWT residents, but Moreland said they all have links to the community and they're still being investigated.

"These arrests and seizures have significantly disrupted the drug trafficking and organized crime network within the Northwest Territories and I am confident that it will make a difference to residents throughout the area," she said.

Moreland also wouldn't say why people from provinces like Ontario and Alberta are coming up North to deal narcotics, nor would she comment on what will happen to the seized cash and drugs.