BENTON HARBOR — Nine people allegedly responsible for the distribution of a steady stream of heroin throughout southwest Michigan have been indicted on federal conspiracy charges.

In a press conference Monday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles said approximately 100 grams of heroin and around $27,000 in alleged drug proceeds were seized during the joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

L. Paul Bailey, Berrien County Sheriff, said there have been a lot of heroin-related deaths in the Michigan counties of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren and the Indiana county of St. Joseph.

“We took down some pretty big dealers here so let’s hope we put a crimp in their action and they will go away for awhile,” Bailey said. “Anyone else who wants to sell drugs in Berrien County should understand that these people standing up here today aren’t going to tolerate it. We are going to come down on you and we are going to do it together.”

Nine defendants were arraigned Nov. 20, including Joseph Jackson, 44; Willy Tibbs Jackson, 38; Jacoby Ervin, 27; Antwon Peterson, 23; Javel McElrath, 22; Johnny Green, 55; Kyeisha Bennett, 23; Tanisha Swift, 26; and Omar Osorio, 20.

All are from Benton Harbor except for Green (Elkhart, Indiana) and Osorio (Chicago).

According to a 100-page affidavit, the investigation revealed that Joseph Jackson led a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing between 50 and 65 grams of heroin per week — good for about $7,500 — in Benton Harbor from 2013 to the date of his arrest. Also known as “Jo Jo,” Joseph Jackson allegedly assigned responsibility for heroin acquisition and distribution to other individuals. As relayed in the complaint, Jackson acquired his heroin in Chicago, and then recruited others to transport it to Benton Harbor for him. Once in Benton Harbor, Jackson tasked others with the heroin’s storage and further distribution.

“This investigation is a prime example of the benefits of coordinated law enforcement efforts to root out organized drug trafficking in our district,” Miles said. “Heroin remains a plague upon our society. My office will continue to direct investigations such as these rooting out those who would profit from spreading poison on our streets.”

Bailey praised the work of all agencies involved in the investigation.

“This sort of case does not happen without the cooperation of multiple agencies of law enforcement both on the state and federal level,” he said. “We appreciate the involvement of all our partners and will continue in these joint efforts as long as necessary.”

Joseph Jackson and Willy Tibbs Jackson face the most serious charge — conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin — of all indicted in the case and could face up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine if convicted.