Approximately 204 people were taken into custody Thursday and Friday during an operation targeting prostitution,
drug dealing and other crimes across Broward County. More than a dozen federal, state and local police agencies were involved.
For the operation, the Sheriff's Office partnered with police from Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Sunrise and Coral Springs. Also participating were the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Metro Broward Drug Task Force, state Probation and Parole, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Postal Service and the Marshals Service.
Crime suppression operations occur every so often. This is when multiple police agencies will join forces in going after street-level offenders, such as those engaged in drug activity and prostitution. The police will also use this as an opportunity to obtain information about larger-scale criminal operations, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.
Crime suppression operations are intended to clean up street-level crime. However, the larger goal of the operation is information. Police will be looking to talk to each and every person they arrest. It is wise not to speak with the police without first consulting a criminal defense attorney. It is your right to refuse to speak with police and demand an attorney.
If you or a loved one have been caught up in Broward's recent crime suppression operation, call me to discuss defenses to the charges.