Two taverns in a southeast Iowa city were the setting for drug busts this morning. A sting operation conducted in Ottumwa early today by federal, state and local authorities brought nine arrests on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Eight of the suspects are from Ottumwa. One man from Eldon was arrested in St. Louis. They range in age from 22 to 45. The sting took place at two Ottumwa taverns: The Dugout Bar and The Plowboy Club. It’s the result of a 12-month investigation.