‘Operation: Protect Our Children’ underway

NEWBURGH – By nightfall, police had made 69 arrests in a series of drug raids as part of the Operation: Protect Our Children campaign against drug dealings near school zones in Orange County.

Police said the raids, based on warrants for 115 people, are a testament to the combined efforts of the State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Newburgh City Police Department Narcotics Team, and several other forces from around Orange County.

Newburgh City Police Chief Eric Paolilli said the investigations into narcotics trafficking are ongoing and will continue “until we get everyone who was indicted” in this latest round.

Police began their investigation six months ago, and targeted drug transactions within 1,000 feet of a school in a so-called school zone.

During that time, state, county, and local police successfully completed 334 drug transactions, mostly cocaine, from 120 people. Police said Wednesday that most of the dealers took part in multiple sales, and one even took part in eight different sales.

Paolilli called the acts of anyone who dares to deal drugs, especially in a school zone “despicable,” agreeing with the comments of Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois.

“How much more sensitive can we be? Many of us here are parents. Think of your own kids walking down the street and being approached, or even accosted. Think about that. I think if you ask any parent, you’ll get the same answers: ‘We’re glad law enforcement is paying attention’.”

Wednesday’s raids and arrests, in conjunction with a similar county-wide crime raid early in 2007, have put over 140 total street level drug dealers behind bars.

“This is sending a tremendous ripple effect throughout the community. We are making it very uncomfortable for people to sell drugs here,” said Newburgh City Mayor Nicholas Valentine.