The Nation : Drug Sweep Across Florida Nabs 1,700

More than 1,700 people were arrested by undercover police officers posing as crack dealers in a weekend crackdown from the Florida Panhandle to the Keys. Officers at times made nearly 100 arrests an hour, and it was expected the total could top 2,000 before the 48-hour operation concluded. Nearly 1,000 officers in 61 of the state’s 67 counties participated in “Operation Rock Pile,” which was organized by the Florida Sheriffs Assn. The crackdown netted 2,981 pieces of crack, nearly 10 pounds of cocaine and three pounds of other drugs, including heroin and steroids, officials said. Authorities also seized more than $44,300, 291 cars, a boat and 44 firearms.