TAMPA - Police say the drug trade has been so brisk at 35th and Chelsea streets recently that cars sometimes backed up for blocks waiting to do business with dealers.
Tuesday, Tampa police said they've come a long way toward shutting that business down.
After a lengthy undercover operation in the east Tampa neighborhood, police arrested about 20 people on drug-related charges ranging from delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church to felony trafficking.
At a news conference Tuesday, Tampa police Capt. Hugh Miller said taking down the 35th Street drug network was a "Christmas present" for police Chief Steve Hogue as well as Mayor Pam Iorio, who has said she wants to eradicate drugs and violence from east Tampa.
"There should be a clear message to anyone actively engaged in street level drug trafficking," Miller said. "The gloves are off. There will be no deals. You do not have the right to damage children and ruin neighborhoods."
Among those arrested: Anthony Pritchett, who police said was the neighborhood drug dealer who coordinated and commanded 39 street dealers under him. Police confiscated Pritchett's Tahoe, a Dodge Intrepid they say was used for delivering cocaine and marijuana, and his gold and diamond necklace.
Detectives also seized $3,382, cocaine and marijuana.
