DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.,None — Detectives in Daytona Beach have been going door-to-door on Monday, arresting individuals they said have been dealing drugs. Daytona Beach police launched a two-month investigation called Operation Rapture.
Detectives said it's part of an operation to get the criminals off the street after several residents complained about illegal activity in their neighborhoods. WFTV learned that agents have arrested 11 people so far on Monday.
Daytona Beach police set up their command post around residential neighborhoods, and they said they are still searching for 25 more suspects.
Willie West's son hugged him and cried as police officers dragged West off to jail. He is accused of selling marijuana to undercover agents.
Officers said it was not uncommon for dealers to sell drugs around their children.
"My heart goes out to them," said Norma Bland, a resident.
Bland lives on Derbyshire Road where she said residents called in tips to officers because they were fed up with the crime.
"The intelligence that is gathered comes from people in this community. Seniors who are retired can't walk out of their homes, they can't sit on their porch, they can't go to the grocery store," said Bland.
One after another, police handcuffed and loaded the suspects into a van. Thirty-six warrants were issued. Agents said the dealers sold them marijuana and cocaine.
Bland said she hopes this operation sends a message to other criminals that residents aren't going to tolerate crime in their neighborhoods.
"The taxpayers are the ones that are really getting tired of this activity," said Bland.
Officers said they will continue to look for the remaining suspects.
WFTV
