Operation Clean Sweep disrupts drug trafficking from Kensington to suburban areas, according to the Attorney General.

In a concerted effort to combat the pervasive distribution of fentanyl, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, accompanied by law enforcement officials from multiple counties, announced a significant crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating in the state. This initiative, titled “Operation Clean Sweep,” resulted in the arrest of 102 individuals across various jurisdictions over the course of two five-day operations, with the most recent ending on Friday.

The operation, which involved collaboration between the Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police, and district attorneys from Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking routes that extend from Kensington to surrounding Philadelphia suburbs. Attorney General Sunday emphasized that the issue of drug distribution transcends city borders, highlighting its impact on all regions of Pennsylvania.

The majority of those arrested during these operations were identified as drug traffickers linked to organized groups distributing illicit substances throughout the area. Notably, some individuals apprehended were people battling addiction, who were subsequently redirected to treatment programs, showcasing a dual approach to addressing the crisis.

During strategic traffic stops near the borders of Philadelphia and its suburbs, law enforcement officials seized more than 5,000 worth of illegal drugs. The haul included heroin, fentanyl, suboxone, and psilocybin mushrooms, underscoring the diverse range of dangerous substances being trafficked. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele noted that the intelligence-sharing between jurisdictions was vital in tracking the drugs from their source in Kensington and following traffickers as they operated outside city limits.

The collaborative nature of this initiative reflects a growing recognition that drug trafficking is not isolated to Philadelphia but is a multifaceted issue affecting all of Southeast Pennsylvania. Officials expressed their commitment to tackling this crisis head-on, stressing that residents’ well-being was at stake considering the prevalence of substance-related violence and criminal activity.

This announcement is part of a broader strategy by the state to combat the opioid epidemic, which has seen a staggering 50 million doses of fentanyl seized in the past year alone, with over half of those confiscations occurring in southeastern areas of Pennsylvania. The multifaceted operation aims not only to arrest drug suppliers but also to direct individuals struggling with addiction toward appropriate treatment options.

The intensified focus on collaboration within law enforcement showcases a shift in approach, moving away from punitive measures alone to a more holistic method of addressing drug addiction and trafficking. District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer of Delaware County emphasized the critical nature of this partnership, referring to it as a “force multiplier” in the fight against the opioid crisis. The ongoing collaborative initiatives highlight a unified resolve among law enforcement to confront this issue comprehensively, recognizing the necessity for cooperation in safeguarding community health and safety.

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