FLORIDA — Nine people have been arrested following a police operation targeting street-level criminal activity in West Palm Beach, according to authorities.
The West Palm Beach Police Department said the investigation, known as “Operation Silent Spruce,” resulted in a total of 19 felony charges and one misdemeanor against the suspects.
Officials said the charges include eight counts of the sale of narcotics, one count of possession of fentanyl, three counts of selling narcotics within 1,000 feet of a specified location, one count of possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and six public order offenses.
The operation also led to the seizure of five handguns, one rifle, several hundred dollars in cash, drug paraphernalia and various narcotics. Authorities said the drugs seized included approximately 1.5 pounds of marijuana, six grams of crack cocaine and two grams of bath salts.
According to police, the investigation began in early 2026 after officers received multiple community tips. Detectives identified several properties tied to repeated criminal activity in the Pleasant City area.
On April 13, officers executed four search warrants simultaneously, leading to the arrests.
“This investigation is a direct result of community members speaking up, trusting, and sharing information with our officers,” said West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo.
Police said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to address crime and improve public safety in the community.
