Efficiency and raising awareness about a drug problem in DeKalb were the reasons 30 warrants were issued simultaneously in connection with a Thursday’s warrant sweep operation, said DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler.

The drug sweep concluded the six-month investigation, called “Operation Safe Streets,” according to a press release.

DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said drugs aren’t necessarily a problem in DeKalb.

“I don’t think it’s more of a problem than any other university community,” Povlsen said.

However, according to the 2010 DeKalb Police Department Annual Report, cannabis control offenses had a 54 percent increase between 2009 and 2010. Drug paraphernalia offenses went down three percent between 2009 and 2010.

The DeKalb investigative unit is not structured to work drug cases because they require special investigative techniques, Spangler said.

The DeKalb Police don’t have enough “man-power” to effectively deal with the drug problem because they are not equipped to work drug cases full-time, Spangler said.

“You can’t just take an hour out of a day to work on a drug case,” Spangler said.

Last year, the DeKalb Police dedicated approximately three weeks to investigating the 30 suspects in “Operation Safe Streets,” Spangler said. If the police had the ability to dedicate more time to these investigations, there would probably be more arrests, Spangler said.

“Each individual case can take potentially several months to complete,” Spangler said.

In the past, DeKalb County used to have an investigative unit which focused primarily on drug cases, Povlsen said. However, due to lack of funding and resources the unit disbanded, Povlsen said.

Povlsen said he has talked with local communities about reviving a new county-wide task force on drugs.

“If I was one of those dealers or one of those people using, I would be a little scared,” Povlsen said.

Clay Campbell, DeKalb County state’s attorney, said he has been working since he was elected to revive a new county-wide drug task force. Campbell said he has talked with the County Board, the county municipalities, state and federal agencies and NIU about helping to fund this task force. The task force would comprise six to eight law enforcement officers from the county, Campbell said.

“It’s a slow process,” Campbell said. “This is really a funding issue and a motivation issue.”

Campbell said the fact that DeKalb is a university town “essentially flashes a big neon sign that we are a marketplace for drugs.” DeKalb’s proximity to major cities like Chicago and Rockford also contributes to more drugs in the county.

“Drug dealers are attracted to young impressionable people,” Campbell said. “The only thing drug dealers and gang members understand is getting locked up.”

After the drug sweep, Povlsen said he hoped it sent “a real clear message” to drug dealers and users in the community.

As of Monday, Spangler said Willis Rainey, 42, of Sycamore, turned himself in on Feb. 26. Rainey is charged with attempted possession of a controlled substance. Haley Brink, 19, of DeKalb, was arrested Friday. Brink is charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Nine suspects have still not been located and remain wanted for various drug charges.