A monthslong investigation into illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking has led to the arrest of 20 people and the recovery of 55 illegal guns, hundreds of grams of fentanyl and cocaine and more than $65,000 in cash.

Officials are calling it the largest gun trafficking case in Orange County history.

Authorities unveiled the results of “Operation Powder Burn” during a press conference Friday, alongside a table stacked with illegal firearms and narcotics allegedly seized during the eight-month takedown.

“The 20 people on the board are nothing more than merchants of death,” said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. “Over 55 weapons were purchased by brave undercover officers and enough fentanyl here on this table to kill 190,000 residents of Orange County.”

Operation Powder Burn targeted a sophisticated gun and drug trafficking ring allegedly operating out of the City of Newburgh and extending into Ulster and Dutchess counties, New York City, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Officials say the network trafficked firearms from Georgia and Pennsylvania, often shipped by FedEx, and sold them illegally to buyers in Orange County and surrounding areas.

News 12 obtained viewer video showing one of the early morning raids that took place on Wednesday in Wallkill, Ulster County.

Authorities say other raids in Orange County unfolded at several locations in the city and town of Newburgh, as well as New Windsor.

Authorities say Christopher Brown, 40, of Newburgh, was the ringleader and ran the operation from a location on South Street in the city. Officials say the guns were often sent to co-conspirators in Newburgh who stored and distributed them alongside illegal drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine.

“This level of disregard for public safety is not only criminal, it’s reckless. It shows a willingness to endanger lives for profit,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller.

More than 20 law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation, including the ATF, DEA, Orange County Drug Task Force, New York State Police and local departments in Middletown, Newburgh, Port Jervis and others. Officers conducted undercover buys, executed search warrants in multiple jurisdictions, and utilized wiretaps and surveillance to track the trafficking activity.

“Our work has never been more important than it is today. This is a fight to save lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.

The charges range from conspiracy, criminal possession and sale of firearms to criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance. Sentencing exposure varies from probation to 30 years in prison.

Officials say three defendants are awaiting extradition, and one suspect—Carl Henry, 52, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania—is still on the run.

“You are not welcome here,” Hoovler said in a warning to others involved in similar trafficking operations. “We will disrupt and dismantle your organization. We will remove you and the only suitable place for you is jail.”