JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Sixteen people have been arrested as part of Operation Melt Down, a methamphetamine conspiracy in Jamestown, the U.S. attorney's office announced Tuesday. Of those 16, eight have already been federally indicted, two face federal charges and the remaining six face state charges.

"In 2016, more than 7,500 Americans died from methamphetamine overdoses, so it remains a serious problem," said Joseph Karaszewski, U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Chief.

All 16 face meth-related distribution charges, while others were also found with cash, cocaine and weapons.  While the round-up took place this week in Jamestown, Fredonia and Randolph, the investigation dates back to last November. 

The removal of so many people associated with distributing the highly addictive drug is "certainly significant and it certainly puts a dent in what appeared to a very coordinated effort to bring these illegal substances into this area," said Karaszewsk.

All of those arrested were involved with meth, "knowing it would likely destroy the lives of users and those who love them. This drug problem is relentless. And it does not discriminate," said Gary Loeffert, FBI special agent-in-charge.

Investigators say the meth may have originated in Mexico, then sent to Southern California before arriving in Western New York. To date, more than seven pounds of meth has been seized with a street value of about $300,000.

"Drug trafficking can paralyze entire communities, and stretch federal, state and local law enforcement resources to their limits," said Loeffert.

"We're getting real sentences at the federal level," said Jamestown Police Chief Harry Snellings.

Jamestown police and its Metro Drug Task Force partnered with federal leaders, which helped reduce the number of repeat offenders.

"These are some of the names that we see on a recurring basis. And anytime we have the opportunity to charge federally, we've been pursuing that over the last couple of years," said Snellings.

If convicted, some face up to 40 years behind bars, while others face life in prison.