Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today that a seven month investigation into violent narcotics trafficking at the Richardson Dwellings Housing Complex known as “Clay Terrace” in Northeast, Washington, DC was a success.

On Thursday, October 2, 2008, members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Narcotics Branch, the Sixth District and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed several search and arrest warrants at the Richardson Dwellings Housing Complex and other parts of the city, which resulted in the arrests of 22 individuals. Authorities seized over eight ounces of Phencyclidine (PCP) at a street value exceeding $12,000; various quantities of crack cocaine, marijuana, and Ecstasy; over $10,000 in cash, a firearm and a BB gun.

In March 2008, detectives assigned to the Major Narcotics Branch initiated an undercover investigation into the Richardson Dwellings Housing Complex. During the course of the investigation, a large amount of various types of illegal drugs, primarily PCP, was purchased with the assistance of informants and undercover officers

For several years, residents in the Clay Terrace area have been plagued by drug trafficking, and violent crime.  Chief Cathy Lanier says she is doing all she can to make the neighborhood a safer place.  

“This is just one of many operations that we’re conducting throughout the city. We’re not done yet and we’re coming to every neighborhood,” said Chief Lanier.

The Metropolitan Police Department thanks its federal partners for their continuing effort in assisting MPD to reduce violent crimes throughout the city.