SFPD Cracks Down On Drug Deals At Golden Gate Park Ahead Of 4/20
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Ahead of the annual 4/20 marijuana celebration in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, police have been stepping up drug enforcement in the area.
San Francisco Police Captain John Sanford said his officers started cracking down on drug deals in the park early Friday morning, in preparation for Wednesday's event. More than 10,000 people are expected.
"We arrested seven people for selling narcotics to undercover officers. We are going to continue the operation," Sanford said.
• ALSO READ: Police: Parents Bringing Kids To '4/20' Smokeout Could Be Arrested
The idea is to get stay-away orders for many drug dealers, a large percentage of whom travel in from outside San Francisco.
"With the number of people coming into the area, the event excites many drug dealers, and we're quite aware of that," Sanford said.
Not that police will be making arrests for marijuana use specifically. They will be looking for kids who should be in school though, and people on parole.
The effort to be ready for this big un-sanctioned event has grown each year, as has the city's response.
Supervisor London Breed, who represents a portion of the park, said the response is not to endorse it, but to make sure it's safe. Going forward, Breed said she would love to see someone take over as a sponsor.
"Because I want somebody to pay for it," Breed said.
According to Breed, the 4/20 party costs the city $80,000 to $100,000 each year.
