Operation Crackdown Phase 3 involved undercover drug buys and seven raids at homes in the north end and west side, police say. (CBC)

Forty people in Saint John are facing drug and firearms-related charges after a seven-week undercover police investigation targeting street-level crimes.

Cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs with a combined street value of about $234,000 were seized during Operation Crack Down Phase 3, along with about $9,500 in cash, Insp. Glen McCloskey, of the criminal investigation division, stated in a news release.

More than 30 weapons were also seized, including 15 long guns, a .22 Bolt-Action Rifle, two shotguns, 12 handguns, two Airsoft hand pistols and two tasers, he said.

The investigation involved undercover buys and seven search warrants being executed at residences in the north end and on the west side, said McCloskey.

Twenty-nine men, six women and five young offenders have been arrested, he said.

Eight males have been remanded in custody, while the others have been released to appear in court at a later date.

Charges will include trafficking in cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking and cultivation, as well as firearms-related offences and possession of stolen property, said McCloskey.

The first two phases of Operation Crackdown resulted in 80 arrests and 119 charges, with more than $308,000 in drugs and $26,000 in cash being seized, he said.

Operation Crackdown started on Nov. 21 following numerous complaints police received from residents about drugs being sold in various neighbourhoods.

Members of the street crime unit, patrol services, and community services participated in the operation.