By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) — Law enforcement authorities in Montgomery County say it was an anonymous tip that triggered an investigation resulting in the dismantling of a major methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Lansdale area of Montgomery County and the city of Philadelphia.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman says she received an anonymous letter in the mail complaining about the distribution of the illegal drug known as “meth.” Then, she says, what started with undercover buys on the street led to cell phone interceptions that resulted in search warrants being executed at 14 locations where police recovered drugs, paraphernalia and weapons.

Ferman says 32 people have been arrested in what detectives called a “family affair.”

“There were relatives who were involved,” Ferman said. “It was a very close-knit group of both drug dealers and drug users, and they operated very closely together.”

She says the main players are identified as Frank Messina of Hatfield, Pa. and Troy Dudas of Schwenksville. (More info and mug shots on the Montco DA’s web site.)

Court records indicate that Dudas has an extensive criminal record dating back to the mid-’90s.

Ferman called the case a “high priority” because of public safety concerns surrounding the dangerous drug.