Police: Getting drug dealers off Cleveland streets makes tremendous difference

CLEVELAND - It took 18 months and 350 law enforcement officers to fan out across Cleveland streets as part of Operation Northwest Express. The effort has led to 70 arrests so far in a massive cocaine bust.

Cleveland's fifth district is where police aimed to put drug traffickers and dealers out of business.

"They're selling drugs, pushing poison and destroying our neighborhoods," said Cleveland police commander Wayne Drummond.

Police picked up the suspected drug dealers in the Collinwood and Glenville neighborhoods. Authorities also said the area of Castalia and 140th Street was one of the areas targeted by police. 

Some residents said the drug sweep will make a difference in their community.

"There's a lot of kids out here in the crossfire," said one mother, who only wanted to be identified as Cassandra.

Police are warning drug criminals that they're not done yet rounding up suspects.

"I'm glad. They need to clean up our streets, keep up the good work," said Cassandra.