Houston County authorities revealed on Wednesday, at a news conference, a major bust targeting alleged drug dealers in Kathleen and outlying areas that involved narcotics, gambling and dog fighting.

Authorities announced they arrested alleged ring leader Andrew Martin Holiday, 40, of Kathleen, and seven others, last Thursday. One of the suspects includes Eastman Regional Youth Detention Center officer Frank James Fountain Jr. who is also Holiday’s nephew. The suspects were arrested on Jan. 10 after the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Warner Robins Police Department and Houston County District Attorney’s Office conducted a three month investigation into the operation.

"We feel like we have one of the biggest, biggest drug dealers off the streets," Houston County Sheriff Cullen Talton said.

Investigators issued seven search warrants simultaneously last week. At some of the homes they seized more than $73,000 worth of drugs including cocaine, meth and marijuana. The marijuana was allegedly grown at Fountain’s home but authorities said they haven’t found evidence of Fountain trafficking drugs to minors that he worked with at the RYDC. Investigators also confiscated more than $61,000 in cash as well as 18 firearms, various cars including one reported to be stolen , ATV’s and electronics. Law enforcement also seized 13 pit bulls suspected of being used in dog fights. The dogs are currently housed at the Warner Robins animal shelter but are not adoptable.

"I don't want to elaborate a lot on the dog fighting situation because it's still under investigation,” Houston County sheriff’s Capt. Jon Holland said.

While it took law enforcement a few months to compile information about the alleged operation, Holiday's sister Rosa Nelson said this bust was a surprise to her and other family members.

"We don't know anything about this,” Nelson said. “I mean you know they go to prove everything. Whatever they say has got to be proven because like I said I don't know anything and my son Frank (Fountain) I think he just got caught up in it."

Law enforcement suggested this was a family run drug business but Holiday's sister denied it.

"People have choices that they make in their own life but you cannot, you cannot point fingers at a whole family,” she said.

All the suspects arrested are being held at the Houston County jail without bond.

Houston County District Attorney, George Hartwig said the people arrested will probably go in front of a grand jury in 60 to 90 days but expects a trial by next year. His office is also handling all the civil issues involving items seized during the drug bust.

Houston County authorities are continuing the investigation and expect other possible arrests in the future.