Operation Tumbleweed cocaine sweep: 30 arrested in 'massive' Arizona to Florida drug conspiracy

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Authorities say 30 people who were engaged in a massive operation that trafficked drugs from Arizona to Florida have been arrested.

The U.S. Attorney's Office reports that the suspects were arrested in South Florida Wednesday morning in "Operation Tumbleweed," and made their initial court appearances that afternoon in West Palm Beach.

The FBI released the following statement Wednesday:

"Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office and the FBI have arrested individuals without incident this morning in Palm Beach County as part of a joint operation. A press release will be issued later today that will provide additional information.”

A 12-count indictment filed earlier this month claims the defendants were part of a conspiracy that involved shipping cocaine hydrochloride from Tucson, Ariz., to Palm Beach County for sale and distribution as both cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base. Much of the cocaine was sold in and around the Lake Worth area.

If convicted, the defendants each face up to life in prison.