Topeka ? Investigators sought suspects Thursday after police found a rocket launcher, rifles and grenades in two homes in a neighborhood near downtown.

The weapons were found shortly after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday as Topeka Police served search warrants at the two homes. Officers suspected that drugs were being sold in the homes, which were empty when officers arrived. The homes are in a neighborhood east of downtown, and less than a mile from the Kansas Statehouse.

The weapons and explosives were found lying in the open in both homes, including the rocket launcher, which had its firing pin removed, said Police Lt. John Sidwell.

Neighbors were evacuated from their homes but were allowed to return once the area was secured, Sidwell said.

Among the items seized were numerous grenades and as many as 25 rifles and handguns, including one military-style handgun, Sidwell said. The explosives were taken to Forbes Field south of Topeka and placed in a military bunker until they could be inspected or disposed.

“This is a pretty substantial amount. It’s not something we usually see,” Sidwell said. “We’ve found a grenade or pipe bomb before, but nothing like this.”

Sidwell said along with drug charges, the suspects would face federal charges for possession of the explosives. Police do not believe the weapons or the suspects were part of anything more than a well-armed drug operation, Sidwell said.

Three officers guarded the homes overnight, with additional officers and federal agents arriving Thursday to assist, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and a bomb-sniffing dog from Fort Riley.

Officers with Topeka Police’s

drug units began their investigation Thursday morning, Sidwell said, searching for drugs and other evidence.

One of the homes was in dilapidated condition, Sidwell said, and was being inspected by Topeka city officials.

“Code compliance is out looking at it, and it may be boarded up,” Sidwell said.