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34 Charged In Western Pa. Drug Ring After Year-Long Investigation

WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) -- Criminal charges have been filed against dozens of people for allegedly distributing or possessing drugs in Western Pennsylvania.

State Attorney General Kathleen Kane says charges have been filed against 34 people.

Officials say the suspects are allegedly low- to mid-level drug dealers. The suspects are accused of selling heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and illegally-obtained prescription drugs.

Most of the suspects lived in Westmoreland County, but some were residents of Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Indiana counties, as well.

Investigators made their arrests on Thursday during a warrant sweep in several communities. The Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the Westmoreland County Drug Task Force and other law enforcement agencies all took part in the investigation.

The sweep was organized after the recent rash of overdoses in Western Pennsylvania.

Investigators have been building their case for a year.

Officials say confidential informants and undercover agents successfully made several drug purchases from the suspects, which led to the arrests.

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