-from mywesttexas.com-

By Ruth Campbell

Thirty-one alleged drug dealers from McCamey and Rankin have been arrested in the largest drug bust in Upton County history, a news release said

The cases were presented by 112th District Attorney Laurie English to an Upton County grand jury Sept. 12.

The arrests are the result of a 21-month investigation and undercover sting by the Upton County Sheriff’s Office. During its investigation, the sheriff’s office documented that half the alleged drug deals were in drug-free school zones, which enhance the degree of the charge.

Sheriff Dan Brown said deputies will continue to work on serving all warrants and indictments during the next few days. Names of all suspects will be withheld until they are all arrested, the release said.

Along with the Upton County Sheriff’s Office, local Texas Department of Public Safety officers, Crane County and Midland County sheriff’s offices helped in the roundup.