WILLIAMSTON, N.C. (WNCT) – Five drug traffickers were arrested in North Carolina and Arizona after a six month narcotics investigation, authorities said.

Maria Ruiz-Ochoa, 38, of Arizona, was charged with three counts of possession, manufacturing and deliver cocaine and conspiracy to traffic 400 grams or more of cocaine.

On October 2017, Ruiz-Ochoa was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

John Bailey, 35, of Jamesville, was charged with five counts of conspiracy to traffic 400 grams or more of cocaine and possession of cocaine.

On October 2017, Gregory Whidbee, 41, of Hertford, was charged with conspiracy to traffic 400 grams or more of cocaine.

Akio Hunter, 35, of Hertford, was charged with conspiracy to traffic 200-400 grams of cocaine.

Arthur Spruill, 49, of Selma, was charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

The arrests were made after several warrants and traffic stops, authorities said.

Authorities found 2 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of heroin, 5.5 pounds of marijuana, 2 vehicles and $268,136. 

The heroin and cocaine found has an estimated value of $300,000, authorities said.

The agencies involved in the operation were: the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the Williamston Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office, the Raleigh Police Department, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Police Department and the National Guard Counter Drug Task Force. 

The Martin County Sheriff Tim Manning wants to collaborate with local and state agencies to reduce narcotics trafficking activity in Martin County.

“The results of this investigation are a direct reflection of the dedication exhibited by all of the agencies involved,” Sheriff Tim Manning. “This case has shown the sheriff’s office commitment to working with other agencies to suppress cocaine and opioid distributions in Martin County and eastern North Carolina.” 

Authorities said that more arrests are anticipated.