LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Federal agents and local police seized more than a ton of drugs and more than 20 assault rifles in raids in metro Atlanta.

Gwinnett County police said Wednesday that 17 people were arrested in an operation that extended into Georgia from Texas and Mexico.

Agents said they cracked down on a Mexican drug operation known as the Gulf Cartel.

Police said they seized $3.6 million in cash, 1,760 pounds of cocaine with a street value of $22 million, 184 pounds of methamphetamine and 2,000 pounds of marijuana after an 18-month investigation called "Operation Grand Finale."

At a news conference, officers also displayed more than 20 assault rifles.

“Do you have reason to believe that any of the guns or drugs would be distributed in immediate Atlanta area?” asked CBS Atlanta reporter Michelle Marsh.

“I would say that once they entered the U.S., those drugs could be destined for any city and county,” said FBI Special Agent Greg Jones.