Multiple law enforcement agencies broke up a major drug trafficking ring this week, arresting 14 people and confiscating about 35 pounds of heroin and fentanyl, nearly 15 pounds of cocaine and four handguns.

The investigation into the operation in Methuen and Lawrence began in 2017 and involved multiple federal, state and local law enforcement, Massachusetts State Police officials said.

It was the first major investigation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team that is operating under Attorney General Maura Healey's office. The seizure is the largest seen in an investigation conducted under the direction of office, state police officials said.

“This operation demonstrates the power and impact of inter-agency collaboration in tackling the opioid epidemic,” Attorney General Maura Healey said. “I want to thank our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement for working with us to dismantle drug networks, prosecute traffickers, and keep these deadly drugs out of our communities. I know this takedown is going to save lives.”

It took years of undercover operations and the use of cutting-edge surveillance to break up the sophisticated drug ring that has connections to other operations in the northeast and was managed by traffickers from as far away as New Jersey, police said.

Law enforcement simultaneously executed search warrants at 14 locations in Methuen and Lawrence early Wednesday morning, raiding homes and arresting suspects. Two other people were arrested on Monday, police said.

All but 2 people arrested were arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Wednesday. Judge Michael A. Uhlarik set bails on suspects that ranged from $1 million and $500,000 to $50,000 and $15,000, police said.

The other two suspects were arraigned in Ayer District Court, police said.

In total police seized 13.7 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin; 6.8 kilograms of cocaine; a loaded Ruger semi-automatic handgun; two .22 caliber handguns; a .45 Glock and $98,860 in cash. An additional two kilograms of fentanyl and heroin and three kilograms of cocaine were seized during the course of the investigation, police said.

“By reducing the availability of these dangerous drugs, we are able to spare family and friends the heartache and pain of the loss of a loved one over their struggle with addiction," said Col. Kerry A. Gilpin, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. "This effort will take all of our combined resources to detect, deter and ultimately dismantle these dangerous drug trafficking organizations."

The 12 arraigned in Lawrence District Court are:

Ramon Cruz-Gonzalez, 45, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $1 million cash, police said.

Israel Santiago Ortiz (aka “Simpson”), 39, of Methuen, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $1 million cash, police said.

Alberto Santana Santos, 36, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams, possession of a firearm during a felony and conspiracy to

Robinson Adames Abreu (aka “Papa”), 52, of Methuen, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $500,000 cash, police said.

Jose Lugo-Garcia, 21, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $500,000 cash, police said.

Raul Martinez, 32, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $500,000 cash, police said.

Omar Acevedo (aka “Prieto”), 37, of Methuen, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; two counts of possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $250,000 cash, police

Jhonny Mota-Rodriguez, 24, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine distribution and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $50,000 cash, police said.

Cirio Delores Acevedo, 36, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $50,000 cash, police

Yeltsin De La Cruz, 28, of Lawrence, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His bail was set at $50,000 cash, police said.

Sulerka Mercado, 37, of Methuen, was charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. Bail was set at $50,000.

Two other people were arrested on June 17 and arraigned in Ayer District Court by Judge Margaret R. Guzman. They are:

Jocheiry Acevedo Hernandez, 31, of Methuen, was charged with was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and possession with intent to distribute Class A and Class B substances. Bail was set at $50,000 cash but revoked due to a separate, ongoing case.

Maricely Carrion Ramos, 34, of Lawrence was charged with was charged with fentanyl trafficking, over 10 grams; cocaine trafficking over 200 grams and possession with intent to distribute Class A and Class B substances. Bail was set at $15,000 cash but revoked due to a separate, ongoing case.