Sarasota Police Arrest 15 People In Massive Drug Crackdown

SARASOTA, FL — Fifteen people have been arrested in a large-scale drug operation conducted by the Sarasota Police Department, officials said Wednesday. Four other people are wanted in connection with the investigation.

Police called the initiative "Operation Corner Store."

To conduct the operation, undercover detectives approached street-level dealers, pretending to be interested in making drug purchases, the police said. According to a press release, the officers targeted areas known to have the most drug activity.

Operation corner store began in early 2017 and wrapped up last month. It was conducted by Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit and Street Crimes Unit.

"The purpose of the long-term operation was to disrupt open-air drug markets within the City of Sarasota," police said.

Charges in the case include sale of cocaine, sale of a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm.

"While our goal is still to end open air drug markets in the City of Sarasota because they coincide with violent crimes, this is also about trying to find alternatives to arrest," said police Captain Corinne Stannish. "Even if it starts with just one person at least it's a start."

Police are still looking for the following suspects:

WANTED: Derrick Harner (8 Felony Convictions)

WANTED FOR: Sale of a Controlled Substance w/in 1000' of a School

WANTED: Benjamin Kung

WANTED FOR: Sale of a Controlled Substance w/in 1000' of a Church

WANTED: Daryll McNeal (16 Felony Convictions)

WANTED FOR: Sale of a Cocaine w/in 1000' of a Park

WANTED: Khalid Polk (4 Felony Convictions)

WANTED FOR: Sale of Heroin

Photos courtesy Sarasota Police Department