Ten were arrested between Friday and Saturday in a reverse sting operation that involved sales of cocaine and marijuana for cash and vehicles by an individual working with multiple local and regional law enforcement agencies, according to Austin Police Det. Brian Kruger.

The detective stated that the Austin Police Department, Mower County Sheriff’s Office, Southeast Minnesota Narcotics and Gang Task Force and South Central Task Force began making arrests around noon Friday as suspects arranged pick up of drugs at various parking lots and other public areas around Austin.

Cocaine deals ranged from 0.5 ounces to 2.5 ounces, he said, adding that suspects made payment with either cash or vehicles. One incident, he stated, involved one pound of marijuana and an ounce of cocaine.

Kruger said authorities arrested nine by 7:30 p.m. Friday. Another was apprehended between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Suspects still await charges, Kruger stated, though all remain detained. Six are from Austin, two from Albert Lea and one is from Geneva, Minn.

“I would imagine this would slow things down for awhile,” Kruger said.