TAMPA, FL — During a three-month traffic initiative, 55 people were arrested, Tampa police said in a news release.
“Operation: Safer Streets” focused on chronic offenders, leading to the recovery of a firearm, fentanyl, cocaine and othaer illegal drugs, police said.
“It’s traumatic for families to see drugs sold in their parks and neighborhoods,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “The result of this operation and arrests of these 55 drug dealers clearly disrupted the availability of illegal narcotics in our community. Through our strong partnerships, we are demonstrating our shared commitment to making our city safer for everyone, one block at a time.”
The initiative was part of a partnership between police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the State Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida.
“Operation Safe Streets was a joint collaboration between Tampa Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration,” DEA Tampa District office assistant special agent in charge Todd Cavaliere. “The goal was to clean up Tampa streets and be free from drug distribution and violence that inevitably accompanies drug markets. Tampa citizens can be assured law enforcement will work together to make their communities safe. DEA is committed to stopping the importation and distribution of narcotics in the United States and continues to push for a Fentanyl Free America.”