Yonkers PD 'Operation Dope' makes big heroin bust

YONKERS, Westchester County (WABC) -- "Operation Dope" by the Yonkers Police Department has made a major heroin bust.

Police say it's just the beginning of a new and aggressive drug crackdown.

"I hope it makes a difference, makes the neighborhood safer," said Joel Guzman, a business owner.

Guzman owns a deli at the corner of Elm and Oak streets, the same neighborhood which was at the heart of a police sweep Thursday targeting drug dealers.

The illegal activity, Joel says, has a ripple effect.

"We've been here for 12 years, and it's kind of sad that I can't even bring my daughter out here at night, afraid that there's going to be a shootout or something like that," Guzman said.

Authorities say the suspects are 29 people who primarily sold heroin; the arrests are the result of an intense eight month investigation.

"Undercover officers made hundreds of buys and purchased over 300 bags of heroin, 20 grams of crack and powder cocaine, and a large amount of prescription medications," said Commissioner Charles Gardner, Yonkers Police Department.

This is the first major takedown since a new initiative was put in place in April.

The sting was also focused in the downtown area, Getty square.

"This is a proactive group of law enforcement officials who are going after the career criminals," Mayor Mike Spano said.

Authorities say the suspects are a mix of high, mid and low level dealers, with a total of 425 prior arrests between them.

The police commissioner had this message for others out there: "If you deal drugs here, your picture may be here at our next news conference," Gardner said.