A nearly yearlong investigation into an alleged drug trafficking network in Rochester has resulted in 22 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine along with more than two dozen firearms, according to the Rochester Police Department.

Police announced the results Thursday, Aug. 27, saying investigators executed a total of 24 search warrants during two major enforcement operations in June and August. Authorities allege the network was led by 36-year-old Rochester resident Javaris Corbit.

Rochester Police Capt. Greg Bello said investigators began looking into Corbit and his alleged drug-dealing activities approximately a year ago.

The first major enforcement action occurred June 24, when Rochester police and other law enforcement agencies executed 14 search warrants at locations throughout the city. Sixteen people, ranging in age from 16 to 56, were arrested on various drug and weapons charges.

Corbit was among those arrested. He was charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon and controlled substance offenses, along with misdemeanor charges.

Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond, and Corbit subsequently posted bail and was released, according to court records cited by WXXI. Police allege that after his release, Corbit resumed his drug operation.

Investigators then renewed the investigation.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, law enforcement agencies simultaneously executed another 10 search warrants around Rochester. Corbit was arrested again, along with six additional people. He faces additional drug and weapons charges stemming from the second operation.

Police said the two rounds of searches resulted in the seizure of 20 handguns, four assault-style rifles, two shotguns and a crossbow.

Investigators also reported recovering approximately 3.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine and 75 oxycodone pills.

The quantity of suspected fentanyl seized was particularly significant because of the drug's connection to fatal overdoses throughout Rochester and across the country.

Bello pointed to the amount of fentanyl recovered as an indication of the potential impact of the investigation, saying authorities have seen the consequences of fentanyl overdoses on a daily basis.

The investigation also highlights the connection authorities say exists between illegal drug trafficking and firearms in Rochester. More than two dozen guns were recovered during the searches, including the four assault-style rifles.

The arrests included several young people. According to information released following the investigation, three teenage boys were among those charged with weapons and controlled substance offenses.

The operation involved cooperation among numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Rochester Police Department was assisted by agencies and task forces that included the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force Rochester, as well as law enforcement personnel from elsewhere in Monroe County and the region. SWAT teams from the Greece Police Department and Ontario County Sheriff's Office also participated.

FBI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Allen Davis said the Rochester Safe Streets Task Force brings together federal, state and local agencies with the goal of targeting individuals believed to be involved in violence and other serious criminal activity.

Corbit is also facing federal drug and firearm charges, according to federal court records cited by local media. His scheduled appearance in Rochester City Court Thursday was postponed, with a judge indicating that Corbit was in federal custody.

The investigation comes as Rochester officials continue efforts to reduce both gun violence and the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into city neighborhoods.

While police described the operation as a significant disruption of an alleged drug network, the arrests represent criminal accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.