Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and it's law enforcement partners announced the results of "Operation Black Poppy," a year-long heroin investigation that led to at least 18 arrests.

"South Carolina, I think, is on the front end of a wave of Mexican Drug Cartels," said SLED Director Reggie Lloyd.

According to SLED the investigation began in September of 2009 when officials believed individuals with ties to Mexico were selling, manufacturing, delivering and purchasing heroin in South Carolina.

Through "Operation Black Poppy," investigators said they identified three heroin cells in the state, located in Lexington/Richland Counties, Horry/Georgetown Counties, and Charleston County.

"What we are seeing in the country of Mexico right now is trying to get a foot-hold here with the violence, the gangs and the drugs. They are trying to come here and we're doing our best to keep them out," said Lexington County Chief Deputy Keith Kirchner.

Officials said the heroin distributed within the cells, resulted in 12 overdoses and six deaths.

According to investigators the drug was smuggled into South Carolina several ways and packaged in balloons for distribution.

"The penalties are up to 25-40 years, a mandatory time of up to 25 and up to 40 years and we are looking for a vigorous prosecution," said SC Attorney General Henry McMaster.

Officials said the investigation continues and they expect more arrests but also say they hope operations like "Black Poppy" will help reduce violent crime in South Carolina.

"We believe whole heartedly, that the efforts of these me and women are going to make South Carolina a better place," said Lloyd.

Officials said the year long investigation involved assistance with many law enforcement groups across the state and on Thursday, did not have a good estimate as to the cost of the investigation.

Those arrested face a range of charges including trafficking heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin:

Those charged so far include: Francisco Guerrero-Flores, Juan Rodolpho Arroyo, Gadiel Garcia De Dios (aka Andres Sandavol), Manuel Hernandez Robles, Joshua Griffin, Bobby Burroughs, Kenneth Andrews, Brainen Borchers,  Michael Rion Byrd, Edgar Allan Craig, Wendy Annette Craig, Ian Matthew Craven,  Jeremy Lewis Gray, Larry Allen Hourihan, Lisa Amanda Londono, Anselmo Villalobos-Alcala, George Louis Guittercz-Iberria, Noel Adan Verdin-Aldama.