FLORENCE ‑ Three Florence residents are among 32 people arrested today on federal indictments involving a Chinese marijuana and cigarette trafficking organization.

The organization conspired to manufacture and distribute more than $45 million in marijuana, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York.

The group also distributed nearly 44 million cigarettes, resulting in more than $7 million in lost tax revenue, the release states.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office states the three Florence residents charged are Denise Ragland, also known as Denise Roy, 51, Norris Patterson, 27, and Oakley Simpson, 40.

Each is charged with one count of marijuana conspiracy, according to the office. The offense is punishable by life in prison, with a minimum of 10 years.

Federal and local authorities raided Ragland’s home at 1648 E. Lee Ave. and business, Denise’s Designs Gifts & More, at 2929 Cloverdale Road, today as part of the investigation.

They arrived around 8 a.m. and Ragland was taken in custody and escorted from the house just before 10 a.m. Authorities remained at the residence until almost noon.

In all, 37 indictments were opened today and arrests have been made on all but five suspects nationwide, according to the release. Nearly all suspects are from New York or California.

Homeland Security agents raid residence