CENTRAL ISLIP – Two active-duty officers in the Nassau County Police Department have been arrested in connection to a drug investigation, News 12 sources say.

News 12 learned that nine people, including the officers, were arrested Monday by DEA agents. The accused were allegedly involved with the distribution of drugs – including heroin, cocaine, marijuana and painkillers.

Some of the nine were arraigned Tuesday morning in Central Islip on drug conspiracy and weapons charges.

Sources say the two Nassau police officers arrested for drug conspiracy are 32-year-old Karen Ernst and 28-year-old Erik Skoglund. Ernst has two years on the force. Skoglund became a Nassau officer in October 2015.

The two officers were both given desk appearance tickets.

The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office isn’t talking about the case other than to say they have initiated a grand jury investigation. The Nassau Police Department and the Nassau County Executive’s Office would not comment on the arrest.

Brian Griffin, the attorney for Officer Karen Ernst, called her a “well-regarded and highly-respected police officer having served and protected the residents of both New York City and Nassau County.”

“She will enter a not guilty plea and we will vigorously litigate this matter,” he said.

Mark Alter, the attorney for Skoglund, said in a statement that “Nassau County Police Officer Erik Skoglund will enter a not guilty plea at his arraignment and he looks forward to being vindicated through the Court process.”

Source: http://www.news12.com/story/38353693/sources-2-nassau-police-officers-arrested-in-drug-probe