Operation 'Street Sweeper' Leads to 45 Drug Arrests

Responding to citizen complaints, the Sarasota Police Department organized Operation Street Sweeper to tackle street narcotic sales. 

On Oct. 28, Lt. Pat Ledwith announced at a press conference that so far the operation has led to 45 arrests.

The goal, Ledwith said, is to “address 'hotspot' locations identified through intelligence sources; to include reports from concerned citizens regarding street-level narcotics sales.” 

The operation, which began in July, came after complaints about drug sales in neighborhoods. One resident, Ledwith said, even sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott. 

Ledwith said the arrests are just the beginning of the operation. 

By the Numbers:

• Suspects arrested had a total of 274 previous felony convictions
• Of those arrested, 27 have a five or more previous felony convictions
• Central Avenue was the location where 13 of the 45 suspects were arrested
• Police completed 10 search warrants
• Five juveniles were arrested in the operation
• Two documented gang members arrested