Nearly three dozen people have been arrested as a result of a police investigation dubbed "Project Pharaoh."

Investigators say the operation involved police in Toronto, Peel Region, Halton Region, Hamilton, Barrie, Bradford, Durham Region and St. Catharines.

The search warrants were part of an investigation that began in September, involving federal, provincial and local police forces. More than 700 police officers were involved.

The investigation targeted a street gang known as "Monstarz," Toronto Police Insp. Bryan Bott said at a news conference Thursday.

Bott said the gang operates in the northwest quadrant of Toronto, but added that their investigation led officers to areas outside the city's boundaries.

"I think that speaks to their sophistication," Bott said.

Insp. Bryan Bott says officers seized at least 34 kilograms of cocaine and at least $45,000 in cash during the raids.

They say 27 people had already been arrested in advance of Thursday's raids and more arrests are expected.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be made available at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday morning.

With files from CTV Toronto and The Canadian Press