A dozen suspected heroin dealers are off the streets in Delray Beach.
The police chief announced the arrests Friday and showed off the drugs, money and weapons officers found.
This is part of a two-month long investigation called “Operation Street Sweeper.” During the operation, undercover officers bought drugs from dealers to build cases against them.
Chief Jeff Goldman said dealers are “predators” and often target former addicts trying to get sober at recovery residences in the city.
“We’re going to make it really difficult for people to come into our community and deal heroin and prey on the community that’s here, that vulnerable community which is here,” Goldman said.
The department has seen a significant jump in the number of drug overdoses this year. In 2015, officers responded to 195 overdoses. So far in 2016, the number is at 163. 131 involved heroin, and 11 were fatal, according to the police department.
Goldman said his officers have their eyes on more suspects and will team up with other agencies to go after suppliers.
Here are the 12 people arrested:
Trequanne Mosley
Elton Dent
Elbert Mays
Vinson Daniel
Terence Bush
Shared Ridore
Jonathan Williams
Brandon Geffrard
Rolando Misaine
Ronald Gaskins
Kendra Morgan
D’wayne Spruill