26 people were arrested during a mobile police operation for illegal drug sales

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) – A three-month investigation has come to an end after the Mobile Police Department executed nine search warrants this week as part of Operation South Side.

As a result of the operation, 26 people were arrested. According to MPD, there are five outstanding targets who were not arrested during the operation.

The operation focused on the sale of illegal drugs on Mobile's south side, including the Baltimore Street and Down the Bay areas. According to MPD, the operation was based on information and complaints from community residents.

A resident in the Baltimore Street neighborhood believes she saw officers carrying out the operation.

“There were a lot of police there and I don't know what was really going on, but they were right across the street from my home,” she said.

The operation seized 580 grams of marijuana, twelve grams of cocaine, twelve grams of synthetic marijuana, thirteen grams of methamphetamine, seven firearms and $32,366.

“I think they've been cracking down really hard on drug deals and robberies lately. It’s just bad,” said one resident.

Mobile police have arrested five “targets” who are accused of various drug offenses including illegal possession and distribution of a controlled substance and more. The department also made 21 incidental arrests. Despite all the arrests, residents say they don't feel it will make much of a difference in the neighborhoods.

“I don’t even try to go outside or bring my kids. So I stay on the other side of town, in Prichard. There’s a lot going on here,” said one resident.

The search warrants were executed by the Narcotics and Vice Unit with assistance from SWAT, Canine Detail, Gang Intelligence and the Tactical Intelligence Detail.