Pubdate: Sat, 05 Aug 2006 Source: Star-Banner, The (Ocala, FL) Copyright: 2006 The Star-Banner Contact: http://www.starbanner.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1533 Author: The Associated Press STATE AUTHORITIES ARREST 1,219 IN DRUG SWEEP TALLAHASSEE - Authorities confiscated more than $7.5 million, 53 firearms and 28 cars along with a cache of illegal drugs during a 10- day multiagency sweep across Florida in late July, the state's top enforcement official said Friday. A large part of the crackdown came in the Miami region where 719 of the 1,219 arrests were made and more than $5.6 million cash was seized. "I hope this will send the message that Florida has zero-tolerance for drug activity," said Gerald Bailey, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. "Our agencies worked together to round up drug traffickers, conduct highway interdictions, execute search warrants and dismantle methamphetamine labs." The Florida Highway Patrol, which dedicates 56 troopers to drug interdiction, the Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, along with local law enforcement agencies participated in the raids between July 17-27. One of the raids, in Manatee County, resulted in gunfire between a SWAT team and drug dealers that resulted in an officer being wounded. Florida was one of 26 states participating in a nationwide crackdown. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake