Santa Ana : 20 Men Arrested in Drug-Sales Crackdown

Police arrested 20 men, all suspected of drug dealing, at nine locations Thursday in the second day of a crackdown on narcotics sales in residential neighborhoods, a department spokesman said.

The suspects are believed to be illegal aliens, police said. Authorities believe that illegal aliens have been set up to deal drugs out of residences owned or rented by higher-level narcotics dealers.

Police tried unsuccessfully to break down a solid steel door at 2314 W. Harvard Ave. but finally got in through a side window, Sgt. Bob Sayne said. He said police confiscated about $7,000 worth of drugs, including marijuana and cocaine; more than $5,000 in cash and numerous weapons.

The raids were part of the Police Department’s Swat Hypes (High Yield Police Enforcement Services) program, which is targeting street-level narcotics dealers. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service will place a hold on those suspects arrested Thursday and begin deportation proceedings once the criminal charges are resolved, police said.