The Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force says it has been investigating the group for several months and had made several heroin purchases from them.

Strike force spokesman Allen Swanson said the group was operating out of a four-plex in Bountiful at 165 W. 200 North. The building's manager also was arrested in the bust.

"Due to several heroin overdoses across Davis County in the last two weeks, we decided to shut the group down, versus continuing with a long-term investigation," Swanson said.

All 15 of the suspects were charged Sept. 23 with possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to distribute.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has put federal detainers on all of the suspects, allowing the local authorities to hold them until federal authorities can pick them up.

Fourteen of the 15 - all but the apartment manager - had been deported in the past. Some had been deported on felony charges, and were back in the United States as aggravated re-entries, which they also will be charged with.

Several other arrests were also made as customers showed up to buy drugs during the operation.