Nine people have been apprehended after a police operation targeting street-level criminal activity in West Palm Beach, according to authorities.
The West Palm Beach Police Department reported that the investigation, known as “Operation Silent Spruce,” resulted in 19 felony charges and one misdemeanor against the suspects.
According to officials, the charges include eight counts of narcotics sales, one case of fentanyl possession, three counts of selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a certain area, one crime of possessing more than 20 grams of marijuana, and six public order offenses.
The operation also resulted in the seizures of five handguns, one rifle, several hundred dollars in cash, drug paraphernalia, and other narcotics. Authorities claimed the substances seized included about 1.5 pounds of marijuana, six grams of crack cocaine, and two grams of bath salts.
According to police, the inquiry began in early 2026 after cops received many community tips. Detectives discovered many residences in the Pleasant City neighborhood that had been linked to previous crimes.
On April 13, officers executed four search warrants concurrently, resulting in the arrests.
“This investigation is the direct result of community members speaking up, trusting, and sharing information with our officers,” West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo stated.
Police stated that the operation is part of continuous efforts to combat crime and promote public safety in the town.
