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Hundreds Arrested In Massive 'Operation Spring Cleaning' Drug Bust

By Jim Melwert and Trang Do

DARBY BOROUGH, Pa. (CBS) -- Law enforcement officials are calling it "Operation Spring Cleaning." More than 100 suspected drug dealers are behind bars in Delaware County.

The arrests follow a six-month investigation into alleged drug sales across Darby borough.

"We are going to prosecute these individuals. We're going to make sure if they need rehabilitation that they get it through the criminal justice system," said Jack Whelan, Delaware County district attorney. "But most importantly, they're going to be punished for what they've done."

The investigation was a result of tips from the community. It was a countywide effort involving more than 40 local and federal agencies , including the DEA, FBI, and police departments across Delaware County.

Officials say the investigation, which started in October, resulted in 188 undercover purchases in Darby along with the seizure of more than $48,000 dollars worth of drugs and 248 total arrest warrants, two handguns and an assault rifle. The drugs included crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana and pills.

Police said these are mostly street level dealers who will face felony sales charges.

"What they probably should be charged with is some sort of homicide or unnatural death because they're killing our population, from our young, if you look at the pictures here, to the middle age, to our older people and it crosses all cultures and all colors," said Darby Police Chief Robert Smythe.

Though the sweep did not snag any high-level dealers and suppliers, Smythe warned this is just the beginning.

drug bust darby borough
SEPTA police chief Thomas Nestel, State Senator Anthony Williams, Darby Boro Chief Robert Smythe (at podium), Delco DA Jack Whelan, and DEA special agent in charge Gary Tuggle

"We're going to keep coming after you, and if you think you have a big gang, my gang is bigger than your gang."

Delaware County DA Jack Whelan says, "Even if you're a first time offender, selling drugs is a felony and you're going to jail."

Chief Smythe says they worked closely with the DA's office to make sure they were building as strong a case as they could before making arrests.

Many in the community cheered the effort, but said authorities have their work cut out for them.

"I hope they can do something with Darby," said Joanne Barr. "Darby, a lot of drugs come around here. It's one of those places that really need a rebuild."

Chief Smythe hopes the arrests could help solve the cold case homicide of Christopher Eaton-Straker. Last June, Straker was killed execution style in Darby. Police suspect the killers are heroin dealers who thought he was an informant.

"Call somebody," he said. "Call me, call the police station, call the mayor. Call the DA. I don't care who you call, just let us solve this homicide, so his family can have some closure."

There was one case of mistaken identity, where a woman's door was taken down and her home was raided. Chief Smythe said he intends to visit her to apologize and also said the borough will reimburse her for the damage.

 

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