Video Shows Sarasota Drug Sweep in Action

Watch the video at the bottom of this post.

Fifteen people face a host of drug-related criminal charges after the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office conducted a lengthy investigation into narcotics activity in North Sarasota.

The arrests were announced Tuesday and the investigation focused on street-level dealers in North Sarasota, according to the sheriff’s office. The 15 people charged had warrants issued for their arrest after detectives say they sold heroin, cocaine and prescription drugs to deputies.

All told, those arrested face 52 felony charges that include drug trafficking, sale of cocaine and heroin and weapons charges. Several of those arrested are also accused of selling drugs near a daycare, elementary school or church.

“These suspects are a nuisance to this community,” said Sheriff Tom Knight in a media release on the sweep. “The residents, clergy and business owners who we work closely with want a safer environment, so these arrests protect citizens from drug-related crimes and ensure children aren’t exposed to the illicit drug sales that were taking place.”

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