KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration announced 27 indictments related to methamphetamine trafficking on Wednesday, the culmination of a seven-month investigation.

Agents seized more than 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 18 kilograms of marijuana, 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 11 firearms and more than $120,000 cash as part of Operation Iceberg.

The methamphetamine is mostly manufactured in Mexico, representing a cheaper but more potent form of the drug than domestic products, authorities said. That has caused a spike in the amount of violence associated with trafficking the meth, said Donald Mendrala, special agent in charge of the DEA in Kansas City.

Kansas City, Kan., police asked the DEA for assistance in 2005, and several mobile enforcement teams – including one from St. Louis – provided extra resources for the operation.

U.S. Atty. Eric Melgren said if convicted, defendants could face up to 40 years in prison.