Deputies say they have seized 80 dogs in a suspected dog fighting operation here in Eastern Carolina.

The Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office says a two year long drug investigation led them to the large dog fighting operation.

Desmon White and Maurice Baum have been arrested on federal drug charges, while Sheriff Randy Cartwright says the two are also suspected in dog fighting.

Cartwright says last Tuesday lawmen seized 45 dogs from three properties in Elizabeth City and another in Camden. They also seized items used in fighting, training dogs to fight and medical supplies to treat or enhance fighting among dogs.

The sheriff says he contacted the Humane Society of the United States to help them with the investigation. He says evidence discovered led them to two more locations, one in Perquimans County and the other in Pasquotank County where 35 more dogs were found on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Humane Society says many of the dogs have scaring and injuries consistent with dog fighting. An emergency shelter for the dogs had to be opened, while the rescued dogs are now being individually evaluated for potential placement with HSUS partners.

White and Baum are being held without bond on the federal drug charges.