HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) -- Police say five people have been arrested and about $1.2 million worth of drugs seized in an investigation of an Ohio drug operation connected to a Los Angeles street gang.

Authorities said Wednesday that the men were arrested in the Cincinnati area on Tuesday on charges of conspiracy to trafficking in drugs.

Hamilton police Chief Neil Ferdelman says the organization used businesses and residences in Hamilton and parts of Butler and Hamilton counties as safe houses and storage areas for large quantities of drugs.

Federal and local authorities say the drugs originated in Los Angeles and were being distributed to dealers in Cincinnati and Dayton.