Operation Unity Takes Drugs, Dealers Off the Street

Apr 13th, 2006

During the last several days, members of the Mobile Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Unit executed numerous arrest warrants in the R.V. Housing Community. These arrests are the third phase of an on-going operation in the Maysville community and surrounding areas to reduce drug activity and its attendant violence. The first and second part of the endeavor, dubbed Operation Unity, culminated in December with several search warrants being executed in the area of Ann and Arlington Streets and the arrest of 20 people. In total 132 individuals were arrested for 71 felonies and 44 misdemeanors as result of Operation Unity.

At a news conference, Mobile Mayor Sam Jones praised the efforts of the Mobile Police Department and the District Attorney's office.

"We've caught a big fish in the fight against drugs in Mobile," said Mayor Jones. "But make no mistake, we will not quit until these criminals are no longer a threat to our citizens."

The third phase of the operation focused on individuals identified in the first and second phase of Operation Unity. After investigators secured indictments against the remaining individuals for charges including Trafficking Cocaine and Conspiracy to Furnish a Controlled Substance to Minor, they began to locate and arrest the subjects over the weekend.

At least two of these subjects, Anthony Sykes and Mario Mitchell sold drugs to juveniles under the age of 18. With the cooperation of the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office the Mobile Police Department will be seeking enhanced penalties for the subjects who sold drugs in close proximity to a school, primarily Craighead Elementary, and in a public housing area. It should also be noted that some of these offenses occurred in areas frequently traveled by children returning from school.