Alleged drug dealers rounded up

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - Dozens of suspected drug dealers woke up to find the U.S Marshals at their front door very early on Thursday morning.                                                                                                                                                   

In what was dubbed "Operation Fall Harvest" authorities said, a total of 36 arrests were made in Clark County, after a 6-month long investigation. A Clark County grand jury handed down secret indictments against all of the suspects last week.                                                                                      

The round-up started at 6:30 am. Marshals gave suspects no time to plan an escape. They dragged the accused out of bed, and hauled them off to jail without any time for them to even put on a T-shirt or pair of socks. Authorities said they would hand them a fresh set of clothes in jail.                         

Among those arrested were a 66-year old grandmother accused of trafficking heroin out of her home. Two men performing community service were picked up at the Street Garage in New Carlisle, as they showed up for work. Sheriff's officials said citizen tips led to all these drug arrests.                

"What is shocking to me is the amount of arrests being made in the trafficking of heroin," said BCI Superintendant, Pete Tobin.                                                                                                                  

Authorities stressed they needed the community's help to find these drug dealers. "The proof is in the pudding, we do follow up and we do make arrests," said Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly.
In all, the 36 people arrested today faced a total of 80 different charges.                                          

Majority of those included trafficking heroin or prescription pills from their unsuspecting homes. If you suspect drug activity in your neighborhood call the Clark County Sheriff's Office at (937) 328-2560.