Feds Indict 18 People In Mass. Drug Operation

Federal authorities have charged 18 people, including a former police officer, in connection with a widespread drug, extortion and money laundering scheme.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday that search warrants executed in Watertown and Waltham resulted in the seizure of more than $3.3 million, seven kilograms of gold bars worth $364,000, 80 pounds of marijuana, four weapons, and several vehicles during a nine-month investigation.

Federal authorities said that the international drug trafficking operation was aided by a former Watertown police officer who is accused of tipping off as alleged drug distributor. The town's chief says the officer has been fired for unrelated reasons.

According to the indictment, the conspiracy involved numerous people and spanned other states including New York, Nevada, California and Florida as well as Canada.