18 arrested in Daytona Beach drug bust operation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach police are rounding up dozens of people they said have been selling crack, heroin and other drugs throughout the city.

Officers launched Operation Kick Off on Friday morning.

Police said 18 people have been arrested, but that number is expected to increase as the round-up continues.

Investigators said they had been working on the operation for 45 days before they began making arrests.

Police have confiscated more than a half-pound of cocaine, more than two pounds of marijuana, heroin and a gun.

Investigators also took in about $14,000 cash.

They said the arrests appear to be independent drug dealers and so far they don’t believe the suspects are part of a larger ring.

Police said the suspects sold drugs to undercover officers and confidential informants throughout the city.

“The trash that’s out here piffling their poison and taking advantage of people,” said Daytona Beach police Chief Craig Capri. “Like I said, we are not going to tolerate anymore.”

Capri said it was a join effort where his department worked the FBI.

He said it’s the first of many operations he plans to have his department implement during the coming months.

Cox Media Group