About three dozen arrested in north Oklahoma drug bust

Saturday, October 16th 2004, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

ENID, Okla. (AP) _ Three dozen people were arrested on various drug-related complaints as more than 80 law officers from a dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies conducted drug raids in Enid, authorities said.

The arrests were the culmination of Operation Clean Sweep, a yearlong investigation into the illegal importation, manufacture and distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana in the Enid area, police said.

Police also seized about 16 grams of cocaine, four grams of methamphetamine, 18 ounces of marijuana, prescription drugs, about $7,000 in cash, three firearms and a car during the Friday morning raids, said Sgt. Tim Jacobi, who heads the Enid Police Department's narcotics unit.

``This overall operation was extremely successful,'' said Lt. Dean Grassino, who said that the raid and arrests should put a major dent in the local drug trade.

Jacobi said the suspects are being held on a total of 81 complaints that include distribution and possession of drugs, possession of marijuana in the presence of a child and possession of marijuana within 2,000 feet of a school, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are sold or kept and assault and battery.

Police Chief Rick West said the raid illustrated a point he has been emphasizing.

``If you're dealing drugs, its just a matter of time until we come knocking on your door.''

The raids were conducted by 15 teams of officers from the Enid Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff's Department, Waukomis Police Department, North Enid Police Department, Lahoma Police Department, Grant County Sheriff's Department, Major County Sheriff's Department, Ponca City Police Department, Office of Special Investigations from Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation.