Throughout the past month, the MUSTANG Drug Task Force and the Jefferson City Police Department have conducted the second phase of its "2012 Heroin Drug Sweep."
This multi-phase operation, one of the largest narcotics operations in recent years, was in response to the area increase in heroin/opiate distribution and heroin/opiate-related overdoses.
The operation's priority is to focus on the apprehension of suspects directly involved in heroin distribution with an emphasis on those suspected of selling heroin/opiates which have resulted in an overdose, as well as those known to be persistent drug offenders who have continued to profit from the growing heroin sales.
Although the operation is ongoing, thus far this second phase of the sweep has consisted of the execution of search warrants at 3 residences suspected to be directly involved in heroin distribution, resulting in 33 arrests.
Overall, the 2012 Sweep has resulted in the seizure of raw heroin, crack cocaine, packaging and distribution materials, drug money and firearms, and the arrest of over 65 individuals.
The vast majority of these arrests are directly related to the distribution of heroin.
In addition, over half of the arrests consist of suspects who are considered prior or persistent felony drug offenders, many of whom are currently under probation and parole supervision.