The Polk County Sheriff’s Department reports that 53 individuals were arrested in Polk County during an investigation of drug and human trafficking.

The joint operation took place in Polk County on October 17 and 18, and involved many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Pella Police Department, the Knoxville Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Troy Fisher tells KNIA/KRLS News that all of the Marion County law enforcement officers who participated in the investigation worked in Des Moines and the Polk County area during the investigation. The names of those arrested have yet to be released. KNIA/KRLS will bring you more information as soon as it becomes official.