21 people from the Utica-Rome area have been arrested on federal heroin charges.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says all 21 suspects were arrested Tuesday morning and 11 search warrants were executed.  Two indictments charge the defendants for their alleged involvement in the distribution of significant quantities of heroin in Oneida County.

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian said: "The heroin epidemic has hit central New York, and we are hitting back. This case illustrates our commitment to bringing together a broad array of local, state, and federal agencies to preserve public safety and protect public health with swift and strong action. The arrests today disrupt the supply of kilograms of heroin so they do not destroy lives and devastate families."

The arrests follow a three-month multi-agency investigation.

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