Not on Our Block Bust Nets 16 and Counting

Published on December 17, 2024

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Date: December 17, 2024 TIME: 4:15 p.m.

PIO #24-12-4 WPBPD Case (Various)

NOT ON OUR BLOCK BUST NETS 16 AND COUNTING

A three-month-long undercover operation led to 16 arrests and disruption of drug dealing in a 5^th Street neighborhood Monday.

The West Palm Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Division’s Organized Crime Section acted on community reports of ongoing drug dealing in and around 5^th Street. Just before 5 p.m. December 16, a number of people were arrested and others detained as agents and the SWAT team executed warrants on two addresses in the 800 block of 5 Street.

“We applaud the residents in the neighborhood for taking a stance and sharing information with us so we can restore the quality of life they deserve,” Chief Tony Araujo said. “Our neighbors are our eyes and ears, and this partnership is the cornerstone of community policing.”

As of mid-afternoon Tuesday, 16 people were charged with felony drug charges, and selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or park. Alice Mickens Park, with a children’s playground, sits just two blocks from the 5^th Street homes where much of the drug activity was centered. Drugs seized included various amounts of marijuana, oxycodone pills, Flakka (Alpha-PVP), cocaine and crack.

Of those arrested thus far, Michael Neal, 49, is a Florida Career Offender, with 19 felony convictions. Collectively, the 16 jailed have 124 previous felony convictions. The investigation remains active and additional arrests are pending.

Anyone can report suspicious activity and send pictures and video that goes directly to the West Palm Beach police 911 Communications Center and Strategic Intelligence Center through the free SaferWatch app, at www.SaferwatchApp.com. It is also available through Google Play for Android, and the Apple Store for iPhones. Always call 911 for life-threatening, or in-progress crimes.

This release by:

Mike Jachles/PIO

12/17/24 1610

ARRESTED

Alfonza Facon, 11-18-1973