Five Schuylkill County men were swept up Wednesday when authorities broke up a drug ring operating in Berks and Schuylkill counties.

Achille L. Walker, 40, and Daniel P. Close, 49, both of Pottsville; Brian K. O'Connell, 43, of Gilberton; James L. Hall, 42, of Ringtown, and John H. Wayne, 33, of Ashland, were among 24 charged in the bust, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office.District Attorney John T. Adams said the people arrested were "mid to high-level" operators.They were charged with delivery, possession with intent, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, corrupt organizations, and criminal use of communication facility. The warrants were issued by District Judge Victor M. Frederick of Oley, Berks County.Authorities began laying the groundwork for the arrests in January, when state police and the District Attorney's Drug Task Force began a joint investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the counties.After troopers and detectives discovered probable cause, Adams applied to the state Superior Court for nonconsensual wire and electronic interception of the organization's cellphones. Detectives used the court authorized wiretaps as the primary tool in the investigation. The wiretap began in April, and detectives listened to the criminal activity being conducted for about two months.The investigation, known as "Operation Ice-Out," centered around five principle organizational suppliers.But as the investigation progressed, other suspects were developed. During the investigation, troopers and detectives identified 24 suspects who were active members of the organization.Undercover controlled drug purchases were made and 31 search warrants were served for homes, vehicles and a bank account.As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized: Bulk quantities of methamphetamine with a street value of $180,000, cocaine with a street value of $125,000, and heroin with a street value of $39,000; cutting agents; drug-related paraphernalia associated with the distribution of controlled substances; over $78,000 believed to be proceeds from the distribution of controlled substances; 14 semi-automatic handguns, eight revolvers, eight assault rifles, 24 rifles, 19 shotguns, and stocks of ammunition; and four vehicles (one was equipped with a hidden trap).If convicted, the suspects could face substantial jail time and more than $100,000 in fines each.Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the New York Port Authority and the Berks County Drug Task Force (Cumru, Exeter, Kutztown, Muhlenberg and Reading Police Departments) all participated with the investigation.