DPD Targets 'Mid-Level Drug Dealers' In New Plan

Denver, CO – The Denver Police Department announced the creation of a new 11-officer Mid-Level Narcotics Team that helps go after drug dealers who sell to street-level dealers, the department announced Thursday.

Created in December, the team has already had some success with at least two operations that seized 25 pounds of methamphetamines which has an approximate street value of $160,000, the department said in a press release.

The new drug-specialized team includes a sergeant, six narcotics detectives and three drug detection dogs. The team will float between the department's six DPD district stations, working with each district's narcotics agents to "conduct comprehensive investigative and enforcement operations," a press release said.

"Arresting mid-level drug dealers and dismantling their operations positively impact Denver neighborhoods by reducing or eliminating the supply of illicit drugs, and by preventing crimes that sometimes accompany drug dealing, such as street robberies," the department said in a statement.

The special team is part of Chief Paul Pazen’s strategic plan to "improve public safety and reduce social harms," the department said.

As part of the new policy direction, the department this week also expanded district-wide a new domestic violence procedure that involves giving lists of resources to offenders and victims when domestic violence calls do not end in arrest.

Related: Denver Police Try To Stop Domestic Violence Before It Happens

Image: Narcotics dog via the Denver Police Dept.

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