40 Arrested in Darby Raids, Town Throws a Party

Darby throws block party right after violent crack gang is run out of town

Dozens of people have been arrested in a criminal crackdown in Darby, and 12 are being charged with operating a violent drug gang, authorities say.

U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger says members of Darby Borough's Third Street gang dealt crack near schools and a day care center. Ten of the 12 are in custody.

"This group was a significant threat to the community," U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger told the Inquirer. "They dealt drugs near day care centers and schools and used children to transport and sell their drugs. They used violence, and threats of violence to intimidate the residents. In one show of force, a member of the gang shot an innocent resident in an effort to protect their drug operation."

The federal charges announced Thursday include conspiracy and distribution of crack from 2007 to this year.

In a related development, local and federal officials say about 40 people were arrested overnight during a sweep through Darby.

Police Chief Robert Smythe says some are connected to the Third Street gang. He says the rest face unrelated state charges pertaining to guns, drugs and other crimes.

The raids began at 6 a.m. By 10 a.m. town officials were handing out invitations to a noontime block party, with tents already being set up, reports the Inquirer.

“Once we complete the operation it will be our pleasure to invite all law-abiding citizens who cherish faith and positive neighborhoods to the fellowship barbecue picnic on the unit block of Mercer Street," part of the invitation read.

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