19 arrested in Prince William County undercover drug operation

May 31, 2015 at 12:04 p.m. EDT

Authorities arrested 19 people, charging them with various drug offenses, after a four-month undercover operation, Prince William County police said Friday.

Police said investigators zeroed in on illegal drugs available to teens and young adults throughout the county.

The operation, which authorities dubbed “Growing Pains,” began in February and focused on younger drug abusers, a police department statement said. Investigators executed four search warrants, in Bristow, Woodbridge, Manassas and Gainesville. During the operation, they found cocaine, LSD, psilocybin (more commonly known as “magic mushrooms”), Xanax, marijuana, concentrated marijuana wax and a handgun.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for 26 people. As of Friday, 19 were in custody. Authorities were searching for the others.

During the arrests, those who wanted to address their substance abuse were given help, the statement said. The practice of offering counseling after arrests also was used in a county drug operation last year called "Dragon Slayer." In that operation, 53 people were arrested in 19 raids, and six took the help.

Prince William police, who worked with Manassas and Manassas Park authorities, said they hope the operation serves as a reminder to parents that they should not underestimate the prevalence of illegal drug use among teens and young adults.