WAYNESBORO — Wayne County law enforcement officials are continuing to round up suspects in its ongoing combined multi-jurisdictional drug investigation.

Several local drug dealers were placed behind bars last month in connection with numerous drug charges as a result of a six-month undercover drug operation. The number of those arrested has now surpassed a dozen.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the Waynesboro Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the South Mississippi Narcotics Task Force, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department joined forces and are continuing to conduct a drug roundup in the Waynesboro/Wayne County area.

Brent Pursell with the South Mississippi Narcotics Task Force said law enforcement officials began executing search warrants and arrest warrants on numerous identified drug violators on Oct. 22nd.

 Waynesboro Police Chief Jimmy Bunch said warrants were issued for a total of 20 individuals in connection to felony drug violations as a result of the operation. He said 18 men and two women found themselves on the list of suspects and some of the suspects have multiple charges.

Officials confirmed Wednesday that the agencies have now arrested 14 individuals so far and are continuing to work to locate the remaining violators.

Waynesboro Chief Jimmy Bunch said the roundup is a sign that things are changing.

“We are doing well with finding the suspects on our list. However, we will be continuing our efforts of working together to combat the drug problem,” Bunch said. “We are going to step up our efforts here in Waynesboro.”

According to officials, the following persons have been taken into custody in connection with the roundup:

•Donna Sue Butler; charged with one count of possession of crack cocaine.

•Demarkeo Ford; charged with one count of the sale of crack cocaine.

•Robert Oneal Gandy; charged with two counts sale of cocaine within 1500 feet of a church; and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1500 feet of a church.

•Jeremy Hayes; charged with one count of the sale of crack cocaine within 1500 feet of a church, school and public park.

•Temmie T. Hundley; charged with counts sale of crack cocaine within 1500 feet of a church, school, and public park.

•Ulyses Lewis Jr.; charged with one count possession of crack cocaine; 1 count sale of cocaine.