RIVERSIDE – (INT) – Riverside police say that ‘Operation Street Sweeper’ rounded up drug dealers and dozens of homeless individuals.

Police waged a 3-week undercover campaign along Magnolia Avenue between Van Buren Avenue and Pierce Street frequented by drug dealers. There were 46 purchases of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, PCP, and Psilocybin mushrooms that were made mainly from individuals who identified as homeless and/or living in the various motels. Nearly all the suspects claimed to be homeless and living on the streets and motels along Magnolia Avenue.

Police said they acted in response to increased criminal activity and complaints from community members and businesses.

Calls for medical aid and police assistance along the Magnolia Avenue corridor have significantly decreased, police said.

Story Date: May 6, 2024