Calcasieu Parish authorities say a 1 1/2-year drug and horse racing investigation as part of were funneling “lab quality” methamphetamine into the area has resulted in 18 people being arrested.

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Havana Speed,” involved several people with ties to horse racing. The American Press reports (http://bit.ly/15ol8kn) the operation’s results were announced this week.

On Monday, officers began arresting suspects in Louisiana and Texas. Lake Charles Police Chief Don Dixon says 11 search warrants resulted in the seizure of “pounds” of crystal meth, several weapons and the discovery of three active meth labs.

Of the suspects arrested, most had some tie to horse racing — either as an owner, a jockey or a trainer. Dixon said.

“That seemed to be the central theme,” he said.

Authorities would not say whether any of the suspects were employed by Delta Downs, but no officials at the racetrack were targets of the investigation, Sheriff Tony Mancuso said.

The sting led to the seizure of “assets from the horse-racing industry” as well as a large amount of steroids used on horses, Dixon said.

The information has been turned over to the Louisiana Racing Commission for further investigation.

Representatives from Lake Charles and Vinton police, the sheriff’s office, state police, the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Homeland Security participated in the investigation. Other law enforcement agencies were also involved.

Dixon said the suspected leaders of the organization are Mario Barrazacorral, who is being held in Texas; Sergio Reyes Castillo; and Lazaro Perez Cribeiro.

Cribeiro and Castillo are being held in the Calcasieu Correctional Center. You can read more about the arrests toes to horse racing at the Houston Chronicle.