Authorities say they arrested nine people during a massive drug bust operating from Westchester to the Bronx, and an Elmsford man is believed to be one of the heads of the drug ring.

Investigators seized about 14 kilos of heroin and fentanyl, six guns and $170,000 in cash during the long-term wiretap investigation. Officials began looking into the drug dealings after three fatal overdoses in 2017, including one in Westchester.

Ismael Lugo, of Elmsford, was arrested Oct. 9 in the Pelham section of the Bronx. Lugo is facing a slew of charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities say a stash of illegal drugs and $10,000 in cash were found in a raid of his home.

The latest data shows opioid overdose deaths are on the rise.

"We are facing a horrendous, horrendous epidemic," says National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in Westchester Executive Director Joan Bonsignore, "trying to help people fight their addictions."

And law enforcement is working hard to get more of these highly addictive drugs off the streets.

The Special Narcotics Prosecutor stating, "Even as customer overdoses and deaths mounted, their business flourished."

But the fight to end opioid overdose deaths is ongoing.