ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petesburg police on Friday announced the arrest of 21 people involved in what investigators called the "organized high-level distribution of large quantities of drugs."

The investigation started in February as police were looking into multiple shootings and other crimes. 

According to a news release, officers "learned a group from the Childs Park neighborhood was involved in extensive drug sales and was moving large quantities of marijuana and cocaine in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County."

Detectives earlier this week executed search warrants on four homes in the city.

They confiscated 127 pounds of marijuana, eight pounds of powder cocaine, 286.1 grams of fentanyl and seven guns. 

"This is not just about getting some pot off the street.  This is about having a significant impact on stopping the violence in our community," said Chief of Police Anthony Holloway.

One of the seven guns was stolen in a vehicle burglary, and all of them are being processed to determine if they were used in other crimes.

The investgiation, which includes other agencies, is still under way.