West Palm Beach police announce 16 drug arrests after sting operation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

Following a police sting operation, 16 people in West Palm Beach are now facing drug charges.

The operation is called Not on Our Block.

“We’re here to talk about an operation that the West Palm Beach City Police Department had ongoing for three months that culminated yesterday with some arrests,” Chief Tony Araujo with the West Palm Beach Police Department said.

Araujo announced those arrests Tuesday. He said the alleged crimes happened on Fifth Street in the city’s downtown area.

“The interesting thing about the arrestees so far: Out of these 16 individuals, they all have collectively 124 felony convictions. Think about that for a moment,” Araujo said.

Araujo said community members helped them get to this point through the SaferWatch app, an app that lets residents report incidents happening in their neighborhoods.

“We recovered some marijuana, oxycodone, flocka, cocaine and crack. The street was very active. It went on for a while. You can see how quiet it is right now,” Araujo said.

Araujo said arrests are still ongoing.

The department’s special investigation division worked with its organized crime unit.

“My message to the community is thank you for letting us know. Thank you for working with us. 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.

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