WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) - Waterbury police officials have announced that the department's recent initiative targeting midlevel drug dealers in the city has produced warrants for 50 offenders.

Police Chief Vernon Riddick said Monday that 30 of the 50 suspects implicated in "Operation Stamp Out" were in custody.

Investigators say the ages of those arrested range from 18 to 60 years old. Many were charged with possession with intent to sell after being caught in stings conducted by undercover officers.

A department spokesman said that officers seized nearly 2,300 bags of heroin, an ounce of both crack cocaine and marijuana, two guns and close to $24,000 in the drug sweep.

Mayor Neil O'Leary says the operation sends the message that Waterbury is cracking down hard on drug dealers.