DORCHESTER (CBS) – Twenty people were charged today in what federal prosecutors are calling a large-scale family-based cocaine and crack cocaine drug ring that has been operating in Dorchester and infiltrating surrounding communities for nearly two decades.

Court paperwork was filed in US District Court today, in which prosecutors moved to seize several properties, bank accounts, safe deposit boxes and over a dozen cars.  Authorities identified the alleged leader of the drug ring as Michael Williams, whom they said operated out of the Greenwod Street area of Dorchester.

WBZ Radio’s Bernice Corpuz reports.

While law enforcement had been aware of the drug trafficking for some time, they said it was difficult to dismantle operations because of the family ties.

Drugs were allegedly being pushed throughout Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.  The investigation involved several agencies, including the US Attorney’s office, the DEA, US Marshals and Boston Police