Pubdate: Fri, 22 Dec 2006 Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Copyright: 2006 Sun-Sentinel Company Contact: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159 Author: Jerome Burdi, South Florida Sun-Sentinel 101 WANTED IN RIVIERA CRACKDOWN Riviera Beach - The city is trying to revitalize itself, officials said. The first phase came in 101 suspects on drug charges. After a 45-day multi-agency investigation, police arrested 25 of the suspects Wednesday night. There are 60 warrants for the other suspects and probable cause to arrest the remaining 16 suspects, police said. One was a juvenile; most are Riviera Beach residents, police said. The suspects were videotaped selling illegal drugs to undercover officers. At a news conference Thursday, Chief Clarence Williams praised Operation Peace on Earth. "We were sick and tired of the complaints from elderly members of our community who were fearful of people selling drugs," Williams said. "Our citizens simply wanted to come home and enjoy their residence in peace." Most of the drug buyers live outside Riviera Beach, he said. "Buyers beware, we're watching you," he said. Mayor Michael Brown said drug dealers are the product of a city without a proper education system. "We have a lot of people who have lost hopes," he said. "You can't have a job if you don't have a high school diploma. You can't even go to Iraq." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake