Canadian and U.S. police have worked together to dismantle a cross-border crime network whose members stand accused of operating a massive drug smuggling ring.

"They thought they were above the reach of the law," said Julie Myers, the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"One member was even quoted as saying they were even better than FedEx, and they delivered anywhere in Washington state."

Six people have been arrested in Canada under Operation Frozen Timber.

Charges include smuggling, trafficking, possession of controlled substances, possession of firearms, and more charges may be laid as the investigation progresses, said Bob Mercer, RCMP Chief Superintendent at a news conference Thursday in Bellingham, Wa.

In the U.S., 45 indictments have resulted in more than 40 arrests in connection with the case.

"These successes are the result of the dedication, the commitment and hard work of our men and women working in partnership while respecting each other's laws and sovereignty," Mercer said.

The smugglers are alleged to have operated between Bellingham, Wa., and Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., using remote, mountainous locations as staging points for helicopter-borne drug drop-offs and deliveries.

At the news conference, enforcement officers involved with the multi-agency bust unveiled the results of the two-year operation.

The spoils included 3,640 kilograms of marijuana, 365 kilograms of cocaine, three aircraft and $1.5 million US in cash.

The investigators also exhibited behind-the-scenes video footage of the alleged smugglers in action.

The videos showed a helicopter dropping off large bundles of what police said was marijuana, to people waiting to collect it in heavily forested areas.

"These images make it vividly clear why dismantling these smuggling networks is so important," said Myers.

"These smuggling networks compromised the interest of our international borders and literally took border smuggling to new heights. Operation Frozen Timber underscores the importance of addressing border security comprehensively."

Myers said British Columbia marijuana, which she described as "B.C. bud," was smuggled into the U.S., while American cocaine was brought into Canada.

She said cross-border crime has become the rule, rather than the exception, and border security is more important now than ever before.

"A scheme of this magnitude is a stark reminder of why we must be constantly diligent in safeguarding our borders. And Operation Frozen Timber is really a testament to the strong and longstanding partnership between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement and government authorities," Myers said.

John McKay, United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington, agreed the operation was a coup for law enforcement.

"These organized criminal groups are motivated by one thing: greed," McKay said.

"We not only cut into their profits with countless seizures of drugs and money, we demonstrated that there is a high price to pay."

Much of the smuggling was done using helicopters, which in many cases were allegedly operated by unqualified Canadian men involved with the smuggling ring.

Their lack of training, Myers said, resulted in two crashes and three deaths in the past 13 months.

With a report by CTV's Kate Corcoran