Federal prosecutors and local authorities said Tuesday the arrests came after a 10-month undercover operation in this south Georgia city of nearly 23,000.

Authorities said some 67 people have been arrested and another 27 suspects are being sought.

Most are charged with firearm and drug offenses, and authorities said several were associated with street gangs.

Statesboro Police Chief Stan York said the officers who infiltrated the network at first ran up against dead ends, but the investigation "blossomed" as more evidence came in.

"Today our community is a lot safer," York said.