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City drug sweep nets 60 arrests

Chris Caya/WBFO News

Complaints and tips by city residents about drug dealing led to more than 60 arrests throughout the City of Buffalo this week.

Several law enforcement agencies from across the area teamed up with Buffalo Police in executing 103 search warrants in three days as part of Operation Power Sweep. Starting last Friday, it was the city's fourth series of drug raids this year.

Chief of Detectives Dennis Richards says the Buffalo Police Department relies on the public for information and help from other law enforcement agencies in cracking down on illegal activity

Dennis Richards says the fabric of the community is disturbed by illegal drug activity.

"We're getting calls repeatedly about quality of life issues -- cars beeping horns and pulling up in driveways and disturbing the entire quality of life of a street [and] of a neighborhood," Richards said.

The raids netted eight illegal guns, various types and quantities of drugs, and more than $3,000 in cash. Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said the raids are a continuation of Mayor Brown's zero tolerance policy. 

Richards says after the raids, residents often came out to thank police officers.