Police arrested four people on Tuesday and another 21 people on Wednesday. All 25 people are believed to have participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in Missouri’s Jackson County since 2019. The investigation involved more than 200 law enforcement officers, according to the DOJ.

In connection to the investigation, officers have seized 27 firearms, 1,877 rounds of ammunition, more than 11.1 kilograms of marijuana, 300.9 grams of cocaine, 278.91 grams of other illegal drugs and $34,439 in cash so far. Additional items are still being logged into evidence.

The drug trafficking organization was believed to be mainly operating in east Kansas City, Missouri. Investigators said the members were known to sell marijuana, crack and powder cocaine, ecstasy pills, purported OxyContin pills and counterfeit Percocet pills believed to be laced with fentanyl.

“This operation removed a large number of armed and dangerous drug dealers from the streets of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “After a nearly yearlong investigation, our law enforcement partners worked together to take down a significant drug-trafficking organization and reduce the threat of violent crime in our neighborhoods.”

Court documents said suspects were known to be violent and carry firearms. In one incident, members of the organization were accused of a shooting on April 17, 2021. Three people were injured and witnesses reported seeing two gunmen with AK-style weapons, the DOJ reported.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began its investigation into the drug ring in April 2021. Several of the defendants had been stopped by law enforcement officers in the past with drugs and firearms on them. In some cases, they attempted to flee.

The DOJ reported that the following defendants were each charged in an 86-count indictment unsealed on March 1 and were residents of Kansas City, besides Deone D. Gardner, 28, also known as “Twin,” who was from Belton, Missouri:

Kevin C. Cokes also known as “Big K” and “Uncle,” 60; Mercedez M. Gardner, also known as “Twin,” 36; November D. Gardner, also known as “October” and “Nuttie,” 23; Idella Gardner, also known as “Lupi,” 34; Delmar L. Hatcher, 51; Nathaniel B. Chapple, 24; Treandre R. Walker, 24; Hazel M. Berymon, 64; Carlton L. Burns, also known as “Pooder,” 24; Christopher J. Hicks-Berry, 35; Kyeir C. Theus, 35; Tony L. Davis, 52; Michael R. Parks, 62; Brian T. Boxly, 45; Parris J. Walker, 27, Jachobette J. Gardner, 42; Reginald L. Mitchem, 42; Eliot E. Cox, 32; Martell C. Cratch, 30; Anthony D. Stuckey, 66; Matthew Rogers, 59; Gloria Hutchinson, 37; Eddie L. Nicholson, Jr., also known as “Junior,” 54; Toneisha R. Blackmon, 29; Shania N. Bailey, 23.

In addition to the conspiracy-related charges, various defendants have been charged with 16 drug-trafficking counts.

Two additional defendants were arrested as part of the investigation but were charged separately in federal indictments. John E. Johnson, 29, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Arron L. Hall, 42, was charged with three counts of distributing methamphetamine and marijuana from May 5 to June 10, 2021.

The operation included officers from the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department and the Independence, Missouri, Police Department.

Update 3/10/22, 3:32 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.