NORWICH, Conn. -- Police arrested 17 individuals on various drug charges Thursday as part of Operation Jersey Barrier, an eight-month investigation into crime in the area.

Members of the Norwich Police Department patrol and detective divisions, New London Police Department and K-9 Unit, Groton Town Police Department and K-9 Unit, Groton City Police Department, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, agents of the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms conducted the coordinated serving of four search-and-seizure warrants that resulted in the arrests. In total, 60 people were part of the raid.

Police said the arrests were made in Norwich and Sprague.

Over the span of the joint investigation conducted by the Norwich Police Department Narcotic Unit, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency into the illegal trafficking of narcotics and guns, approximately 5 ounces of crack cocaine prepackaged for sale, 500 bags of heroin prepackaged for sale and seven guns were seized, police said.

The investigation was initiated by members of the Norwich Police Department's Narcotic Unit, which had received complaints and information from residents and business owners in the Norwich area, police said.

Police said they confiscated three guns, approximately $16,000 in cash, 1 ounce of crack cocaine, 1 ounce of cocaine powder prepackaged for sale, approximately 500 bags of heroin prepackaged for sale and a small amount of marijuana.

The following have been arrested on various weapon and drug charges: Myron Christian, 25, held on a $225,000 bond; Dominic Sykes, 23, held on a $325,000 bond; Nathaniel Charles, 30, held on a $250,000 bond; Michelle DuCasse, 28, held on a $225,000 bond; Keith Nival, 27, held on a $225,000 bond; Steven Devost, 21, held on a $125,000 bond; Cordis Webb, 61, held on a $200,000 bond; Michael Devost, 22, held on a $100,000 bond; Derek Wessell, 27, held on a $50,000; Lionel Dudley, 26, held on a $100,000 bond; Taneesha Sullivan, 25, held on a $50,000 bond; Josephine Sullivan, 23, held on a $100,000 bond; Daquion Jones, 18, held on a $125,000 bond; Ans Peter Bel, 22, held on a $300,000 bond; Sherman Anderson, aka Cameron Andrews, 29, held on a $500,000 bond; Sakinah Swinton, 37, held on a $250,000 bond; Jane Furr, 19, held on a $50,000 bond.

Mozzelle Brown, 35, and Anthony Page, 30, were also arrested on weapon and drug charges, police said.

Those arrested are being held on their bond pending their arraignments, police said.

Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues, police said.

Anyone with information regarding any criminal activity in Norwich is encouraged to call the Norwich Police Department at 860-886-5561 or the anonymous tip line at 860-886-5561, ext. 500.