RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian police on Tuesday launched an anti-drug operation and arrested 14 people in the southern border state of Rio Grande do Sul.

    The arrests took place in seven cities -- Lajeado, Teutonia, Casca, Marau, Vila Maria, Sao Leopoldo and Portao -- during the operation, according to the authorities.

    A total of 17 search warrants were issued for the operation. Police seized a car and a small amount of crack cocaine.

    The leader of the gang, who is among those arrested, is a construction businessman from the town of Lajeado. One suspect is still at large, and two other members were arrested on previous occasions.

    Police said investigations started six months ago. They said the gang operated in three states neighboring Paraguay and Argentina -- Rio Grande do Sul and Parana, in the southern region, and Mato Grosso do Sul, in the midwestern region.

    The arrested will be charged with association with criminal groups, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and fraud. If convicted, they could face jail terms of up to 32 years.