West Palm Beach has seen a significant drug bust following "Operation Not On Our Block," a three-month sting operation which has culminated in the arrest of 16 individuals involved in drug-related activities. The operation stemmed from the collaborative effort of West Palm Beach's Special Investigation Division and organized crime section of the local police force, as reported by WPBF.
Acting Chief Tony Araujo highlighted the role technology played in apprehending the suspects, with citizens using the SaferWatch app to report suspicious activity, "The app helped us get to where we're at today," Araujo stated to CBS12.
The crackdown has unearthed a variety of illegal substances, including marijuana, oxycodone, flakka, cocaine, and crack, and additional arrests are expected, Araujo explained that these 16 individuals have a substantial mark on their records with "collectively 124 felony convictions" according to a CBS12 interview. One suspect in particular, 49-year-old Michael Neal, was pointed out for his 19 felony convictions and his status as a Florida Career Offender.
A notable aspect brought forth in the operation is the proximity of drug sales to local landmarks; many of the accused were caught operating within 1,000 feet of Alice Mickens Park, as CBS12 outlines. Araujo expressed his gratitude for the community's assistance and sternly warned those still involved in illicit activities, stating, "My message to those folks that are involved in criminal activity, especially poisoning our neighborhoods, look over your shoulder. We're not done," Araujo said.
Furthermore, in a statement obtained by CBS12, Araujo assured the community that the West Palm Beach Police Department would persist in its efforts to safeguard the community through constitutional policing; and to those who are committing crimes, he reiterated the department's commitment to vigilance, "It doesn't matter what neighborhood or what street you live on. And the West Palm Beach Police Department, I promise you, we're going to exercise our due diligence, constitutionally policing our community. But if you're committing a crime, beware," Araujo warned, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of justice regardless of the turf in question.
