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." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake