Following a joint investigative effort by several metro east law enforcement agencies, 36 suspects were charged this week with heroin-related offenses.

The heroin bust involved the work of the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois, Illinois State Police, St. Clair County Drug Tactical Unit and the sheriff’s departments in Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties.

The state’s attorneys of all three counties as well as U.S. Attorney Stephen Wigginton were also involved in the effort.

Undercover operatives purchased heroin from local dealers across the three-county area in a coordinated police initiative.

On Monday, police conducted an arrest warrant round-up of 14 of the 36 suspects. In all, more than 75 grams of heroin were seized along with 11 firearms. Of the charges, 29 were for distributing heroin — four are federal cases.

Those charged from this area include Kimberly A. Shaw, 36, of East Carondelet, who is in custody, and Dylan J. Hegeman, 20, of Waterloo. Both are charged with possession of a controlled substance.

“We will continue to pursue those who wish to sell or bring narcotics in to our community,” Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing stated in a news release.

In addition, Rohlfing said his department is upgrading its phone system to have an anonymous tip hotline where residents can leave information regarding any illegal activity.