A group of 14 serving and previous police personnel are part of twenty individuals charged arrested in the states of Mississippi and Tennessee for taking illicit payments from narcotics dealers in to provide law enforcement cover, in what officials described as "a monumental betrayal of the community's confidence".
These apprehensions follow a years-long probe by federal agents who acted as drug sellers. Among those charged were county sheriffs from Mississippi.
National authorities initiated the sting after hearing reports from real narcotics criminals about being forced to provide bribes to officers.
This corruption scheme reportedly reached beyond the Delta area of Mississippi into the city of Memphis in Tennessee, and Miami, Florida.
"Initial reports that began the investigation were from narcotics traffickers," a U.S. attorney announced during a news conference on the day of the announcement.
Some of the officers had accepted illicit payments ranging from $20,000 (£15,000) and $37,000, the prosecutor added.
This operation involved undercover federal agents posing as narcotics sellers with simulated drugs, which the accused individuals allegedly believed to be 25kg (55lb) of the illegal substance.
"They sold out the community," stated a senior FBI official. "They violated the confidence that the public had in them, disgraced the badge and weakened the efforts of honest police members across this area and locality."
These detentions take place as U.S. officials have begun air strikes in the southern continent against alleged drug traffickers.
