A major drug bust was made on Monday in Roosevelt County and the Fort Peck Indian Reservation by North East Montana law enforcement officials.

Roosevelt County Sheriff Freedom Crawford tells us the investigation started in April and that 36 people have been arrested as part of Operation: New Beginnings.

Sheriff Crawford says two arrest warrants issued today have yet to be served.

All of the arrests were connected to the sale of prescription drugs. Officers seized thousands of dollars in cash and narcotics during the bust.

Unlawful sale of dangerous drugs is the most common charge for the suspects in the case, and some are facing up to five criminal charges.

Crawford says that 36 arrests is just the beginning and his office has identified more than 100 people in the area who sell prescription drugs. He added, "There will be double, if not triple, the arrests by the time we close out Operation: New Beginning."

Sheriff Crawford says prescription pills started becoming a problem around 2005, and through intravenous use have led to the increased spread of disease in the area.