Rocky Mount, N.C. — In the past six months, at least 50 people have been arrested in Nash, Halifax and Edgecombe counties for drag racing. Now, law enforcement wants tougher laws to help put a stop to it.

Investigators say they broke up a large drag race on a rural Edgecombe County road Monday night. Authorities confiscated two cars, a truck, jeep and two trailers used to haul the car.

Troopers arrested nine people who investigators said were drivers and spectators. Those arrested were only whom law enforcement could grab with limited resources.

“Several of the people escaped apprehension,” said Highway Patrol Sgt. Keith Stone. “There were probably 50 to 75 spectators at the scene, 20 to 30 cars.”

This bust was part of an ongoing investigation. Troopers said the dangerous races breed other criminal activity.

The cars used in the races aren't street legal. According to investigators, betting on the races can exceed $30,000, and the speed of the vehicles can reach over 100 mph.

“I'm worried about a family going home and one of these race cars slamming into them,” Stone said.

Last September, troopers busted a race near the Nash-Halifax county line. In the last six months, they've arrested nearly 50 people and confiscated more than 15 cars.

“We're taking a tough stance on it, and we're going to continue working it until we can try to stop it in these counties,” Stone said.

Investigators said they believe there are several large drag racing rings in the area.

Currently spectators, owners and drivers caught drag racing face misdemeanor charges. Troopers are working with state lawmakers to push for tougher penalties as part of the crackdown.