A raid by law enforcement agencies in southwest Ohio has seized more than 40 pounds of fentanyl – enough to "kill the entire population of Ohio" several times, according to federal, state and local authorities.

Authorities said Wednesday that officers also arrested three people and seized 1,500 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 500 grams of suspected heroin, several firearms and over $30,000. They said the raid took place last week.

“Twenty-kilograms (44 pounds) of fentanyl is enough to kill the entire population of Ohio, many times over,” said Vance Callender, Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio.

The three suspects were identified as Shamar Davis, 31; Anthony Franklin, 30; and Grady Jackson, 37, of Dayton, Ohio. They face charges of possession with intent to distribute 400 or more grams of fentanyl as as well as firearms possession charges.

“These illegal drugs ruin lives, destroy families, fuel violence, drive up property crime, and wreck neighborhoods," Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said.

Ohio, along with Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, has been one of the hardest-hit states by the nation's growing opioid and fentanyl epidemics, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This multimillion-dollar fentanyl seizure clearly shows the enormity of the opioid problem in this area," said acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Deters of the FBI's Cincinnati Division. "Law enforcement will continue to work aggressively to address the illegal drug supply, but there is also a continuing need to address demand as well."