Updated

Authorities say 71 people are in custody after an investigation into drug sales, weapons violations and gang activity at a Phoenix motel.

Numerous search warrants were served at the Las Palmas Inn near Seventh and Grand avenues about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Phoenix police say some people staying at the 48-room motel had been committing crimes in the area for some time.

According to police, six gangs have been using the motel as a home base for selling methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.

The motel's owner, its manager and several employees have been arrested so far and police say more arrests are possible.

In addition to drugs, police say the searches of 11 rooms Wednesday netted a sawed-off shotgun, an assault rifle and several handguns.