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ST. STEPHEN, N.B. - About two dozen residents interrupted an RCMP news conference Thursday to demand more details about the arrest of 33 people in the seizure of firearms, drugs and child pornography.

While police claimed the arrests dealt a major blow to organized crime in New Brunswick, the residents demanded to know why the suspects have been released.

They also complained that sparse details given up by police has them fearing for the safety of their children.

"They're not telling us anything. ... They're just putting us in danger," said Deneca Calhoun.

The St. Stephen woman was among a crowd of residents who outnumbered police and reporters at a news conference at the town's tourist bureau.

"We don't know who has been caught. They didn't give us any names," she said. "We don't know if they are back here. We don't know if our children are in danger."

The investigation, code named Jerrican, began last September as an investigation into guns being smuggled into New Brunswick from Maine. It eventually involved police and drug enforcement agencies across much of the province and the neighbouring state.

"The investigation led police to a significant amount of other illegal activity," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Mitch McMillan.

On Tuesday, police raided 12 New Brunswick homes - seven in St. Stephen, two in Mayfield, two in Saint John and one in Mohannes.

Police seized five guns, an explosive device, and small quantities of cash and drugs.

RCMP Sgt. Derek Strong said it's believed the group had already trafficked 99 per cent of their smuggled guns prior to the raids.

"The investigation is ongoing, with charges to be laid at a later date," added McMillan.

That comment infuriated some residents.

"If you don't have your ducks in a row, don't come into our town and do that," shouted Mindy Baxter. "All you're doing is putting everyone else in danger."

She later told reporters: "Obviously the RCMP thought they had something to go on, but it turns out they didn't."

Officials tried to defuse the uproar by explaining that police must be able to prove all the charges in court.

"We all have rules to follow, and don't forget ... if the RCMP breaks one rule, somebody could go free, and we're not about to let that happen," Strong said.

Mayor Jed Purcell said he had been unaware of the criminal activity and could understand the frustration of the residents.

Betty Rogers, who identified herself as the mother of a drug addict, said the anger was misdirected.

"The people weren't angry when they were selling drugs to kids in the street. They weren't angry when they were standing on the street corner. So why are they angry at the RCMP?" she asked.

"The police are doing the best that they can. We should be supporting them, not turning our backs on them."