Police arrested 18 people in Hollywood as part of a 5-month crackdown on drug dealers dubbed "Operation Safe Streets."
Detectives working with the ATF began the investigation in May after numerous complaints from residents, confidential informants and patrol officers of an increase in violent crime and drug dealing in the Liberia neighborhood, Hollywood Police officials said Thursday.
During the investigation, drugs including cocaine and heroin were purchased from numerous dealers. Many of the suspects have extensive and violent criminal histories that include attempted murder, armed robbery, and narcotics offenses, officials said.
Arrests began this week and more arrests are pending as the investigation continues, officials said. The suspects face charges including possession, delivering, and/or trafficking of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
