POLK COUNTY, Fla. -- A massive drug bust in Polk County led to the arrest of 30 people and several weapons, including a British-made rocket launcher used to intimidate neighbors and customers, according to investigators.

---

IMAGES: Rocket Launcher Confiscated

---

A multiyear investigation by sheriff's deputies in Polk County and personnel from several other agencies led officers to a shop filled with stolen racing bikes and cars.

The operation's huge cache of weapons included a British-made World War II-era rocket launcher. Deputies said despite its age, it was oiled and ready to use.

"This weapon shoots highly explosive anti-tank projectiles referred to as war heads," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

The suspects fired the weapon at Lake Parker next to Lakeland's power plant, investigators said.

With an anti-tank gun, it would be difficult to compete with," sheriff's deputy Sgt. Ian Floyd said. "It's a scary thought for a deputy on patrol to come up against something like that."

The organization's arsenal also included a machine gun with a bayonet and other weapons.

"This is Polk County, Florida and it's basically small town America," Floyd said. "It's happening here. The sheriff is committed and the deputies are committed to combat this stuff and we are not going to tolerate it here. We are going to go after these folks."

Police said the ringleader of the operation, Otis "Cowboy" Carden, sold methamphetamine to his mother and brother during the investigation.

Investigators also said Carden's apparent muscle man, Terry "OX" Gilmore, is believed to be involved in several violent drug deals and thefts.

"They told us we 'brought them to their knees," Judd said.

Judd also said the bust could be the tip of the iceberg in the case.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.