JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Forty-two people from the First Coast are among the 135 arrested in a multi-agency operation to eliminate drug trafficking.

For 14 weeks, agents throughout north Florida investigated prescription drug trafficking as part of Operation Growing Pains.

Phase one of the operation resulted in the 135 arrests and the dismantling of large-scale organizations.

The initial intent was to identify, disrupt and dismantle any such criminal enterprises.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), another phase is in the works to continue fighting the prescription drug problem.

"Clearly the increase in illegal use of pharmaceutical drugs is attacking many Florida communities," said FDLE Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Dominick Pape.  "Only by a coordinated team approach like this can law enforcement continue to combat this ever increasing threat."

Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are again urging all residents and visitors throughout Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark tonight through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning for all of North and Central Florida, and also for Glades, Hendry and Palm Beach counties.  A Freeze Warning has also been issued for the rest of South Florida. The entire state is under either a Wind Chill Advisory or Warning, depending on the location.
 
According to Division of Emergency Management Director David Halstead. “It is vital that all residents and visitors remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety: Protect People, Protect Plants, Protect Pets, Protect Exposed Pipes, and Practice Fire Safety.”