As reported by WRBL news, early Wednesday morning, after an 18-month investigation, 26 suspected drug traffickers were arrested as part of a joint federal, state, and local police operation.

The investigation began after the Auburn Police reached out to the DEA about an influx of drugs they observed entering the city. Upon further investigation, state and federal officials learned that the drug ring spanned from Alabama to California and involved the exchange of millions of dollars.

After the arrests were made, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, Clark Morris, said,

“Drug dealers to me, have the biggest ripple effect of any other crime. Drug dealers not only affect themselves and their families but the addicts and their families. That ripple effect then goes into ‘oh, I need my drugs, and I don’t have any money, so I’m robbing people and stealing things.’ All of this increases the crime rate, and it creates addicts, which can ultimately create overdoses. Now, we’re talking about deaths. When you take 26 drug dealers off the streets, you are making a huge impact in a small community like Auburn or the Lee County area.”

The federal indictment alleges possession with the intent to distribute the following drugs: cocaine, marijuana, Xanax, and methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA/ecstasy).

Besides the obvious threat of addiction and overdose caused by the availability of drugs on our streets, drug traffickers are often found with stolen or illegal weapons.

In last week’s arrest, for example, a myriad of weapons were found after the assailants were taken into custody. These include Ar-15’s, 44-magnum handgun, and various long guns.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 18-month investigation, Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes said,

“I hear a lot about drugs being a victim-less crime. Well, not only do drugs wreck individuals, or they wreck families, but they bring in guns and gun crimes to our community. What yesterday was about was removing the garbage from our streets, and yesterday was trash day.”

In recent years Alabama has experienced a spike in illegal drug use. From pain pills to heroin, the threat of drug addiction in Alabama is a serious concern.

The arrest’s made last week are a positive step towards combating Alabama’s drug crisis. However, more must be done. To see what steps Attorney General Jeff Sessions is taking to combat drug gang’s like MS-13, check out his new conditions for sanctuary cities.