Cops bust well-known drug dens in Port Richmond

After escalating violence and multiple complaints, narcotics officers swooped in last Friday on unsuspecting drug dealers, police said.

The Narcotics Unit began an investigationaround the 2300 block of East Clearfield Street “based on several complaints from members in the community of drug sales, and recent shootings in the confines of the 24th District,” police confirmedTuesday.

Five suspects were arrested and charged with drug dealing after the raids, which were lauded by elected officials and neighbors on social media, where complaints about drug crimes are frequent.

State Rep. John Taylor called it “a major drug raid.”

“This sends a clear message to the drug dealers that their behavior will not be tolerated,” Taylor wrote on Facebook. “I want to personally thank the 24th Police District and the Narcotics Strike Force.”

“Best day of my life,” one neighbor who saw the raid posted on Facebook.

The five suspects arrested wereRahsheed Karreem Thorpe, 43, of the2300 block ofEast Clearfield Street;Margaret DeMilto, 60, of the 3100 block ofMemphis Street,Lamont Anthony Carrol, 32, of the 5200 block of Hawthorne Street,Jerry Galindez, 51, who is listed as homeless, andSteven Lyons, 34, of the 3100 block of Agate Street.

All are charged with possession with intent to deliver and possession, police said.