ST. CATHARINES, Ont. -- Police have arrested a ninth person in an alleged southern Ontario drug ring that investigators say has ties to the Toronto area.

Niagara Regional police say the arrest, part of a six-month investigation dubbed Project Icarus, uncovered evidence of a large cocaine trafficking ring covering several communities in the area.

Last week, police charged eight people in a massive sting that involved more than 100 officers in 13 search warrants across Welland, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Oakville and Niagara Falls.

Police say they've recovered numerous drugs, about $175,000 cash, 11 guns and a Mercedes Benz.

Penny Corriveau, 56, of Welland, Ont., has been charged with trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.