MARION COUNTY -- Wednesday morning, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office began a drug warrant roundup.

So far, they say they've arrested 26 people, many of whom are major dealers in Marion County.

Deputies say they began their investigation about a year ago with confidential informants for the sheriff's office buying drugs from the suspects.

Deputies hope the arrests will put a dent in the drug trade in Marion County. They expect additional arrests.

The Marion Police Department, Nichols Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, State Law Enforcement Division, Mullins Police Department, SC Probation and Parole, The 12th Circuit Solicitors Office, SC National Guard , The Marion County Combined Drug Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and US Marshals assisted in the roundup.