WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Forty-nine people have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking organizations accused of distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other narcotics across several Central Florida counties, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

The investigation, known as “Operation Ice Breaker II,” began in 2024 and culminated June 30, when authorities executed simultaneous search warrants at several locations, including properties in Polk and Volusia counties.

Investigators said the drug networks operated in Flagler, Marion, Orange, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Authorities used wiretaps, telephone tracking, surveillance and controlled drug purchases to identify the organizations’ members and gather evidence, according to the attorney general’s office.

During the searches, law enforcement officers seized drugs, money, digital scales, telephones, cutting agents and other evidence allegedly connected to drug sales.

“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal organization that pumped deadly fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said. “Through the tireless work of Florida’s law enforcement, state attorneys, and our statewide prosecutors, we have arrested 49 traffickers and disrupted these networks.”

One part of the investigation focused on an alleged drug operation in Holly Hill that Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said operated from a building near a church. Investigators accused members of the “Cut Throat Murderers” gang of distributing fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine from the property.

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Chitwood said the investigation also connected guns from the property to a recent shooting.

This work is never done, but thanks to a relentless approach and a lot of great teamwork, Volusia County is better off today with another set of scumbag drug dealers locked up,” Chitwood said.

The investigation involved the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach Police Department and other agencies.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said dismantling the organization would help reduce the violence and other crimes fueled by drug trafficking.

The cases will be prosecuted by the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution in partnership with the State Attorney’s Office for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected.