On March 25th, Tampa Police conducted an operation in the Sulphur Springs area to crackdown on two homes known for gambling, narcotics and firearm activity. The operation began as a result of citizen complaints about a home at 8317 North Marks Street and another at 8310 North 18th Street.

Police spokesperson Janelle McGregor said during the month long investigation, it was determined that two gangs, the Goyams and the Draks, were using the homes for illegal activities.

McGregor said both houses are within a block of the Tampa Police Department’s Hope House, a Safe House for kids in the community on the corner of Juneau and Marks Street.

Police said the arrests were very significant, because there are hundreds of kids who pass both homes on their way to the center, and now they can do so in a safer environment.

Of the 17 arrests made, two of them were juveniles on misdemeanor charges. It was also reported that some of those arrested were charged with operating a gambling house.