535 arrested in Camden drug sweeps - Cherry Hill Courier Post

CAMDEN — Law enforcement officials in North Camden are averaging 10 arrests per day as part of Operation Padlock a continuing effort to gain control in one of the busiest drug areas in the troubled city.

The sweeps, which are performed regularly but randomly, were highlighted last week with 33 people arrested Thursday. Police targeted drug buyers. Most of them were charged with loitering with the intent to purchase controlled dangerous substances.

The results of Operation Padlock have continued to bolster what many in law enforcement in South Jersey knew already the overwhelming majority of buyers are traveling to Camden from the suburbs and beyond.

Police have cited buyers from Deptford, Washington Township, Voorhees and as far away as Scranton, Pa.

Of 535 people arrested, 194 have Camden addresses. They face offenses including drug possession, weapons possession and active warrants, among others.

Authorities said among those arrested were 77 dealers and 277 buyers. Only 10 of those dealers live outside of the city.

Nearly 70 vehicles were towed. That accompanies the seizure of $35,535 in cash and drugs with a street value of $44,300.

In one week in early September, police made 113 arrests.

In the seven weeks since the effort began, 93 operations have taken place. Beyond the arrests, authorities said intelligence gathering has been an integral part of what they have been trying to accomplish.

As part of Operation Padlock, Camden public works officials have increased board-ups of vacant homes, the clearing of vacant lots and demolition of abandoned buildings.

Through the effort, police have also worked with community groups to strive toward eliminating the drug trade in targeted areas.

Of note in statistics released Friday were three tips that resulted in six arrests of known PCP sellers. Last month, Camden police and the Camden County Prosecutors Office issued what Police Chief Scott Thomson called a bounty on sellers of the drug.

Tipsters can still earn $500 for information leading to the arrests by calling (215) 546-TIPS (546-8477).