FAYETTEVILLE -- An operation months in the making leads to 22 arrests in Cumberland County.           

Authorities are calling it "Operation Wintry Mix" and it's all in an effort to get Fayetteville's worst offenders off the streets and to drive down the crime rate in the All-American City.

The bust was a joint effort between a number of local and federal agencies including the Fayetteville Police Department and the U.S. Probation Office.

The 22 people arrested are some of Fayetteville’s most wanted criminals.

They've been charged with crimes involving drug trafficking, firearms and even second degree murder and kidnapping.

Officials say their arrests will have a great impact on the safety of the community.

"The 22 defendants whose arrests we are announcing today include violent repeat offenders and armed career criminals who have terrorized our community for far too long,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Higdon.

Federal prosecutors say Operation Wintry Mix isn't over yet and there are still more arrests to come.