Seneca Police conduct Round-up of Suspected Drug Dealers

Thursday morning, the Seneca Police Department conducted a round-up of suspected drug dealers. The operation was based out of the new Annex building at 416 East Main Street in Seneca. Police were seeking 24 suspects on a total of 35 warrants. So far, eight people have been arrested. Seneca Police Chief John Covington says that two of the suspects have relocated to Kentucky and one to California. Those suspects will be entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, which is an electronic clearinghouse of crime data that can be tapped into by virtually every criminal justice agency nationwide, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It helps criminal justice professionals apprehend fugitives, locate missing persons, recover stolen property, and identify terrorists. It also assists law enforcement officers in performing their duties more safely and provides information necessary to protect the public. The three suspects will be actively sought in those respective states, and extradited when arrested. Chief Covington says that this was a routine round-up of suspected drug dealers covering an ongoing undercover investigation spanning approximately the last three months. On average, the Seneca Police Department holds three round-up events each year depending on the number of suspects. This standardized large scale round-up event serves a dual purpose, says Chief Covington. “Even though it may be temporary, it gives a positive maximum impact on the local drug trade in our community and provides some protection for any confidential informants that may have been utilized in any transactions. Significant planning is required for these type events and depends on cooperation with surrounding agencies to be successful. Our thanks to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office in particular as we work in partnership combating illegal drugs.”