Tuesday, May 04, 1999
Police sweep nabs 37 on drug charges
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
MIDDLETOWN — Police arrested at least 37 people on drug charges during a citywide sweep Monday, capping a yearlong investigation that arose in part from residents' complaints.
Suspects from all parts of the city were arraigned Monday in Butler County Common Pleas Court, said Middletown Deputy Police Chief Mike Bruck.
“I think it was a good operation,” said Middletown Police Chief Bill Becker. “We had a lot of people do a lot of good work. It has kind of encompassed the whole town, different parts of city.”
Middletown police, the Warren County Drug Task Force and the Butler County prosecutor's office worked joinly on the investigation.
The daylong roundup targeted 55 people, including two 17-year-olds. The suspects, 42 males and 13 females, face a total of 165 felony and one misdemeanor drug charges.
“We're confident in the next few days we should come up with most of them, if they're still in this area,” the chief said.
Though Middletown police coordinated the effort, the county drug task force provided personnel during the investigation, Maj. Bruck said. Drugs bought during the undercover operation included marijuana, cocaine, crack and prescription medications.
The investigation centered on problem areas in the city and grew as officers followed leads from one suspect to the next. Resident complaints about alleged drug dealing in their neighborhoods and other tips led police to various areas, the chief said.
The drug crackdown was the second in Butler County within a week. Last Wednesday, Hamilton police and federal agents picked up more than two dozen suspects during a sweep of that city's troubled Second Ward. Hamilton police were searching for 60 people on 260 drug abuse and drug-dealing charges.
Middletown police said they were pleased with the results of Monday's action, and they hope the effort will at least put a damper on the local trade and put some dealers out of business for good.
It's not a cure by any means. But perhaps somebody will think twice before selling next time,” the chief said.
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