16 people arrested in drug raid after 5-month criminal investigation

ELLENWOOD, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - A shocking scene for residents in this quiet Ellenwood subdivision Wednesday afternoon.

Men in Hazmat were suits carrying bags out of a house in the Neal Pointe subdivision along Neal Way.

Gwinnett County Police officers executed Wednesday's operation.

Police on the scene wouldn't comment but a Gwinnett County Police spokesperson confirmed it's tied to a major international drug trafficking operation spanning the southeast United States.

About 16 people were arrested following the 5-month criminal investigation.

Detectives uncovered two large drug organizations operating in Gwinnett, Henry, and Clayton counties.

Photos released Wednesday show the high-grade pot plants which police said were being harvested at five marijuana grow houses.

Police seized $35 million in marijuana and other drugs, several weapons, and over $600,000 cash.

Late Wednesday, police wouldn't reveal what they recovered at the Ellenwood residence but neighbors stunned to think someone was running an illegal operation in their community.

The FBI and DEA assisted in the investigation.