Following three months of coordinated efforts, a major police operation in West Palm Beach has led to the arrest of 16 individuals, with officials expecting additional arrests in the near future.
The operation, known as “Not On Our Block,” was led by the Special Investigation Division in partnership with the organized crime section of the West Palm Beach Police Department.
This collaborative initiative was aimed at tackling organized criminal activities and enhancing public safety, reflecting the department’s commitment to combating crime in the community.
Acting Chief Tony Araujo of the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) underscored the significant impact of community involvement in the success of the operation. He noted that numerous residents played a vital role by reporting suspected criminal activities through the department’s SaferWatch app.
According to Araujo, the app provided critical information that helped authorities advance their investigation, ultimately contributing to the operation’s success. He clarified, however, that while the app is a valuable tool for reporting neighborhood concerns and incidents, it is not intended for emergencies or active 911 calls. Instead, it serves as a platform for residents to engage with law enforcement and address local issues effectively.
The investigation, which is still underway, has already resulted in the seizure of a variety of illegal substances, including marijuana, oxycodone, flakka, cocaine, and crack. Acting Chief Tony Araujo highlighted the concerning criminal backgrounds of those arrested, revealing that the 16 individuals taken into custody collectively have a total of 124 felony convictions.
Araujo specifically pointed out one of the suspects, 49-year-old Michael Neal, who stands out due to his extensive criminal history. Neal, classified as a Florida Career Offender, has been convicted of 19 felonies on his own. This case underscores the depth of criminal activity involved and the importance of continued law enforcement efforts in addressing such issues.
When questioned about the possibility of fentanyl being present among the drugs seized, Acting Chief Tony Araujo responded, “Not yet,” emphasizing that the investigation is still ongoing. He further revealed that efforts are being made to trace the source of the drugs, with collaboration from federal and regional partners to gather more information.
However, the operation’s significance extends beyond the drugs themselves, as the location of the drug sales is also a critical aspect of the investigation. Many of the suspects are facing serious charges, including first-degree felony charges for trafficking drugs within 1,000 feet of Alice Mickens Park, with some of the drug activity occurring at homes just two blocks away from the park. This highlights the proximity of illegal operations to local neighborhoods, which heightens concerns about public safety.
Araujo also took a moment to thank the community for their active involvement in the operation. He acknowledged that without the cooperation of local residents, efforts like these would not be possible. He issued a stern warning to those engaged in criminal activities, particularly those responsible for endangering the community by “poisoning” local neighborhoods. “My message to those folks that are involved in criminal activity, especially poisoning our neighborhoods, look over your shoulder. We’re not done,” Araujo stated, signaling that the police will continue their efforts to address crime.
The Chief underscored the critical role of community engagement in maintaining safety. He emphasized that police officers cannot be everywhere at once, stating, “We cannot do it without the community. The police officer can’t be on every block and every corner.” Despite the challenges, Araujo reassured residents that the West Palm Beach Police Department is committed to upholding the law while respecting constitutional rights, and that they would remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice.
Concluding the news conference, Chief Araujo issued a final warning to criminals: “It doesn’t matter what neighborhood or what street you live on. And the West Palm Beach Police Department, I promise you, we’re going to exercise our due diligence, constitutionally policing our community. But if you’re committing a crime, beware.” His message was clear: the department will not relent in its efforts to combat crime and protect the community.
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