24 People Accused Of Operating Drug Trafficking Organization In Central Pa.

READING, Pa. (CBS) – Twenty-four people are facing charges for operating a drug-trafficking organization in Berks and Schuylkill counties.

Officials announced the results of a joint investigation know as "Operation Ice-out" that began in April 2015 and centered around five principle organizational suppliers on Wednesday afternoon.

During that investigation, officials were able to identify 24 active members of the drug operation, including Adrieal O'Bryant, George Meletiche, Nelson Guzman, Maico Severino and Angel Y. Ortiz-Rivera.

Officials also say numerous items were seized, including bulk quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin as well as revolvers, rifles, assault rifles, shotguns, ammunition, vehicles and more than $78,000 in cash.

According to investigators, 12 of the suspects were already incarcerated, and three more were apprehended Wednesday. Nine individuals remain at large.

If convicted, all of the suspects could face long prison sentences and fines of more than $100,000.