Thirty-eight down, about 50 to go.

That's the status so far of a crackdown on area drug dealers that officials are calling the largest here in recent memory.

Through wiretaps and other tactics, police have filed warrants for nearly 100 alleged dealers, most in Lancaster city.

About 30 were picked up last week and several more have since turned themselves in.

The targets are believed to be major players in sales of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription pills, officials said.

Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said the sweep could be a game-changer for local criminals.

"This operation has definitely dealt a blow to the local drug trade," Stedman said Friday. "There is just no question that Lancaster County is safer now that these people have been apprehended."

But there's more work to be done, Stedman said.

At least 50 more fugitives still are at large, according to the arrest warrants. And they are some of the area's most hardened criminals, according to court and police records.

One suspected dealer, Christopher Lassitter, already is locked up for allegedly killing Diana Spencer, a mother of four.

Another, 60-year-old Carla Cowen, has been locked up since her arrest last month for a cross-county heroin operation.

A third suspected dealer, Denise Dixon, 20, also was wanted for armed robbery.

"Most drug dealers have had some prior record and, unfortunately, most will continue to deal until we stop them," Stedman said.

Many had multiple warrants, including Joseph Hunter III, who police said made at least eight drug sales while agents were watching. He was nabbed last week.

The ongoing operation involved extensive surveillance stings.

Several suspects were identified through wire-tapped informants making contacts at area bars, according to county Detective John Burkhart. Buys were arranged and made in amounts from $20 to $500, Burkhart said.

Most of the dealers made multiple sales to informants or undercover agents, police said.

"This type of detail gives warning to all of the drug dealers in our community that you never know who you are selling to," Burkhart said this week. "You might think you're getting away with it, but sooner or later we're going to be coming (to) your door."

Of the remaining targets, some are expected to surrender. Others will require more searching.

While an extensive sweep like the one executed Oct. 12 isn't planned, officials say the outstanding warrants are a priority.

And Lancaster County Prison Warden Vincent Guarini said his staff can handle the fugitives as quickly as they are caught.

"We're used to big numbers," Guarini said this week.

Prison officials swiftly processed the dozens of alleged dealers nabbed last week. Many were in cells within hours, the warden said.

"(Processing) works like a checkout counter," Guarini said. "The influx here was just as fast as the city could produce them."

Stedman said he realizes that many of those jailed dealers likely will be replaced on the streets.

"There are a lot more dealers ready to fill the void," he said.

bhambright@lnpnews.com