Operation Spring Cleaning: Heroin raid leads to dozens of arrests

DARBY, PA (WTXF) - Police from several departments carried out a raid in Darby Borough Thursday morning, leading to dozens of drug related arrest. Authorities are calling the raid "Operation Spring Cleaning."

FOX 29's was on scene as police on the ground and in helicopters from several agencies rounded up suspects.

Police have arrested as many as 79 suspects in the raid that targeted more than 100 suspects wanted for drug related offenses.

180 law enforcement officers from local Delaware County Police Departments, State Police, the FBI, DEA and US Marshals began rounding up suspects in Darby Borough around 6:00 a.m. Thursday.

Police described many of the suspects as street level dealers who work street corners distributing heroin.

The operation is considered a response to the rising number of deaths and overdoses throughout Delaware County.

Dave Schratwieser reports that the suspects were rounded up into two SEPTA busses once they were taken into custody.

PHOTOS: Operation Spring Cleaning: Delaware County heroin bust

Darby Borough Police Chief Robert Smythe tells FOX 29 that undercover officers have purchased as many as 2,000 bags of heroin in undercover buys since as early as November.

Evidence recovered Thursday morning showed bags of heroin labeled "Purple Reign" and "Back to The Future." Other bags displayed the face of NBA superstar Stephen Curry.

One suspect was arrested at a home across the street from Borough Hall on Ridge Avenue, a few hundred feet from police headquarters.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as we learn more information. You can follow Dave Schratwieser on Twitter and Facebook for the latest.

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