Federal authorities made several arrests stemming from what prosecutors say was a drug ring that operated mere steps from a high school playground.

Authorities are charging 15 people with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Officials say the ring made between $4 million and $7 million a year.

Nine of the accused were arraigned at Newark Federal Courthouse Thursday afternoon. Six other individuals remain at large.

Investigators say that the two ring leaders are half-brothers and employed their other brothers in their crew. Almalik Anderson and Quawee Jones are charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, in addition to being charged with conspiracy to distribute.

The other defendants were also each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute.

Officials say that the ring operated out of a building on Johnson Avenue in Newark near Malcolm X Shabazz High School. The dead-end street made it difficult for law enforcement because lookouts were paid to alert the suspects.

Authorities say residents kept their doors unlocked so dealers could run through the building and exit by fire escapes.