(AP) — Approximately 40 people with connections to multiple states and Mexico were arrested Tuesday after a four-year federal investigation exposed multiple drug trafficking operations in east Mississippi, federal prosecutors announced. In 10 federal indictments filed in the U.S. Southern District of Mississippi, those arrested are accused of distributing methamphetamine, cocaine and other illegal drugs. The indictments charge various drug trafficking crimes, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. During the investigation, law enforcement agents seized large quantities of methamphetamine pills, liquid methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, powder cocaine and crack cocaine, Gee said. Some of the defendants were charged with committing a methamphetamine drug offense while children were present.

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Persons: JACKSON, ” Todd W, Gee Organizations: U.S . Southern, U.S . Southern District of, U.S, Attorney, Southern, Southern District of Locations: Miss, Mexico, Mississippi, U.S, U.S . Southern District, U.S . Southern District of Mississippi, East Mississippi, Southern District, Southern District of Mississippi, Mississippi , California , Texas , Alabama