CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg police announced Friday, results of a secret investigation that yielded dozens of arrests along Beatties Ford Road since January.

The sting focused on brown powder heroin. Police said the drug is a growing problem in Charlotte.

"We originally thought we'd be identifying a small target group, and as we got into it, it kinda grew legs," said Capt. Mike Adams.

At $10-$12 a pop, brown powder heroin is much cheaper than cocaine, police said.

Neighbors had been complaining to police about the problem, and were relieved to see officers had been working on it the whole time.

"It makes me feel good because, like I said, this is a business. And a lot of people don't wanna come here, because the people that are here and on drugs, just hang out and beg for money," said salon manager Lubie Penny.

There is a downside to the sting; many of the suspects arrested during it have since posted bond, are back on the streets, and awaiting trial.