Pocono News Section

Drug Sweep In Greater Pittston Area

Drug Sweep In Greater Pittston Area - Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3:56PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Thursday, May 15, 2008 @ 03:56pm EST
(PITTSTON/JENKINS TOWNSHIP; Luzerne County)

WBRE News was first to tell you about ‘Operation Hometown,” a drug sweep in the Greater Pittston Area.

Authorities say it targets street level drug dealers in and around Pittston. Police arrested nearly thirty people Thursday morning.

They say more than three dozen people will be charged with selling heroin and cocaine before they're finished.

Reporter Jill Konopka asks, ‘Why are you here?’ Warren Snead responded, “I have no idea. Reporter Jill Konopka, Not selling heroin or cocaine? Snead said, ‘Of course not, of course not."

One by one police haul away suspected street level drug dealers. They're accused of selling near bus stops, parking lots. out of homes and cars in and around Pittston.

Reporter Jill Konopka asks, ‘Sir why are you under arrest?’ He responds, “I have no idea they won't tell me!” They've been called competitors and acquaintances, some even siblings.

Pittston City Police Chief Jeffrey Tayoun, "They were thugs, some of the younger ones ripped off informants, they didn't know were actually agents of the law."

All, allegedly dealing heroin and/or cocaine. Reporter Jill Konopka asks, “Can you tell me why you are in handcuffs? Suspect replies, “I have no idea Ma'm "

But Warren Snead says they've got the wrong guy.

“You didn't do anything wrong?” Warren Snead said, "No I did not. I got out of jail the other day, my house burnt down and I'm trying to get my life together and all of a sudden I'm taken out of bed." And placed in to handcuffs. This Mother of four agrees these arrests couldn't come soon enough.

Michele Klapforth has four children, "My kids say ‘Mom, what's in those white bags that are being passed around? And I tell them if you see those white bags go in the opposite direction." The 8-month investigation spanned communities filled with day cares and Senior Citizens.

Louise Smith responded, "The environment's changed here in town." Louise Smith oversees “Meals On Wheels Of Greater Pittston” on Main Street.

Smith added, "We have a day care across the street and school busses that stop at every corner, and I hope they get them."

Police say the arrests are all thanks to tips from viewers. Chief Tayoun added, "When I see this, what our neighbors told me about and it is today I feel good and I think of all the neighbors