Nearly 30 people have been arrested in conection with an organized crime ring responsible for the sale of drugs, prostitution and guns in West Palm Beach.
Several local, state and federal agencies took part in "Operation Blockbuster" over the past year and Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg says the opioid epidemic has become a fentanyl epidemic.
"What we're doing here today is really important because the individuals that are charged here were allegedly selling fentanyl to the community...poisoning our community, leading to so many untimely deaths. You can hear the pain by individuals in the community."
The police chief says the investigation started after neighbors complained to his agency about open drug sales and prostitution going on in the community.
Paul Nelson tells CBS 12 News that when he first purchased the Northwood Funeral Home a year ago, he had second thoughts.
"I just saw all this street life, prostitution. It was so thick and heavy."
Sixteen of those arrested face up to 60 years behind bars if convicted on racketeering charges, because authorities say they were operating as an organized crime ring.
Three suspects remain at large.