East Valley Police Seize Drugs, Weapons & Cash in Early Morning Raid

One suspect tells News Channel 3 he was caught with lollipops. But, Coachella police say the man was selling marijuana.

His arrest was part of a day-long sweep known as “Operation Safe Coachella.” It was the ongoing operation’s fourth raid since April 2009.

“We look at our crime trends,” said Lt. Frank Taylor, Asst. Police Chief. “We analyze where different crimes are occurring throughout the city.”

Some of the items police seized included bags of methamphetamine, marijuana, weighing scales and more than $3,000 cash. Police also confiscated items that would raise eyebrows: machine rifles and a bulletproof vest.

“There’s a real message sent here: We are making every effort to make this community safe,” said Mayor Eduardo Garcia. “We want to protect our families, our children.”

Mayor Garcia said he hopes residents have seen a positive change in their neighborhoods since the operation began even though it has taken at least four sweeps to clean up the streets.

We’re very satisfied with the efforts of the police department. We are going to keep these effort ongoing until we make this community the safest community in the Coachella Valley,” he said.

Over 40 officers participated in Friday’s operation. Five search warrants were served and 40 locations were checked for parole and probation violations.

Police say all of the suspects currently live in Coachella.