ST. BERNARD, La. – In the early morning hours Thursday, narcotics agents began rounding up suspects wanted by St. Bernard police as part of the culmination of a year-long undercover drug operation that targeted street-level drug dealers.
Deputies from the Special Investigations Division identified 26 men and two women, from 17- to 53-years-old, during the course of the investigation in Meraux, Chalmette and Violet, selling mostly crack cocaine and some heroin.
By 12 p.m., narcotic agents had arrested 18 suspects. The suspects were captured on video selling narcotics, according to police.
The offensive by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is aimed at stopping violence that often accompanies drug sales.
“I think we need the people to cooperate,” said Col. Chad Clark. “Without the eyes and ears of citizens of St. Bernard, we’d have a little bit of trouble, but we’re getting plenty of cooperation and we’re successful.”
Officials said that many of the suspects are repeat offenders and the sting is making a dent in drug trafficking in the parish. Most of the offenses that suspects are wanted for carry sentences ranging from five to 30 years.
With assistance of State Police and DEA and ATF agents, St. Bernard officials said they have made 1000 narcotics arrests this year.
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