More than 40 Georgia prison officials are accused of drug trafficking and taking bribes, following FBI raids at seven Georgia prisons Thursday. The raids are part of a two-year investigation into corruption at Georgia prisons.

The officers are being prosecuted for protecting known drug traffickers, and accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes. U.S. Attorney John Horn says the degree fraud is stunning.

“They not only betrayed the organizations that they were sworn to protect, but they betrayed the trust and faith of thousands of honest corrections officers who uphold the ideals and values of their jobs every day," says Horn.

The correctional officers are said to have protected known drug traffickers. They would wear their uniforms during drug deals to fend off other law enforcement.

The crackdown on drugs is the fourth major action taken as part of an ongoing effort to curb contraband smuggling.

Since September, over 130 Georgia prison employees and inmates have been indicted for similar charges.