Pubdate: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Copyright: 2006 The Palm Beach Post Contact: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333 Author: Lester J. Davis, Palm Beach Post Staff Writers Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) UNDERCOVER STINGS CUTTING INTO GLADES DRUG DEALS The sting took eight months and nearly 100 drug purchases - all captured on video - but undercover agents are putting a dent in the open-air drug markets that have dominated the western communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. Bradshaw said Tuesday that his office had made 30 arrests following a sweep called Operation Crackdown, and said seven more suspects are being sought. Undercover agents bought small amounts of crack cocaine from dealers in the high-crime areas of those cities, he said. Dealers in Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay had grown accustomed to operating with little scrutiny from police. But the sheriff's office took control over law enforcement in those areas within the past two years. While sheriff's deputies said they were happy to have the drug dealers off the street, they also recognized the need to maintain a stepped-up presence to discourage other would-be dealers. "If you're involved in narcotics activities in this county, we will identify you and eventually arrest you," Bradshaw said. "It may not be today. It may not be tomorrow. It may not be next week. Eventually, we will arrest you." All of the 99 drug sales were within 1,000 feet of a school or religious building, which the sheriff's office said increases the severity of the charges. And all involved quick interactions between undercover agents and suspected drug dealers. "What's up man, you got a 40?" an undercover agent is seen asking a suspect in a video of a transaction. The sheriff's office said they spent about $2,500 on crack cocaine during the sting operation. The arrest of the 30 suspected dealers will have an impact on crimes unrelated to drugs, Capt. Simon Barnes IV said - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom