Seven alleged drug dealers are out of business as the result of a two-day detail carried out by Lancaster police.

The sweep, which targeted street-level drug activity, was conducted Wednesday and Thursday by the city police Selective Enforcement Unit.

During the "Buy/Bust" operation, an undercover officer made purchases of illegal narcotics. Most of the "buys" took place in the southwest area of the city, according to Sgt. Kevin Fry.

Such an operation, Fry said, serves two purposes.

"First and obviously, it takes us one step closer to the big guys, at least that's the hope," Fry said. "It strips one layer off the operation.

"Secondly, it puts fear into individuals who might think police aren't concerned about the small-time stuff. This let's them know that we do care, that the community cares. And that they won't get away with it."

The operation was conducted as the result of numerous citizen complaints, police said.

Facing charges as a result of the detail:

• Darnel Brodis Brown, 43, of the 500 block of High Street. Charged with delivery of cocaine, criminal conspiracy to deliver cocaine and criminal use of communication facility. He was committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $40,000 bail.

• Saleem Naim Elo, 33, of the 200 block of West Vine Street. Charged with delivery of cocaine, criminal conspiracy to deliver cocaine and criminal use of communication facility. Committed to county prison in lieu of $40,000 bail.

• Frank Rashad Lofton, 32, of the 400 block of South Shippen Street. Charged with delivery of cocaine and criminal conspiracy to deliver cocaine. Committed to county prison in lieu of $40,000 bail.

• Hugh James Ashford, 36, of York. Charged with delivery of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Committed to county prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.

• Claude Eugene Cannon, 47, of the 100 block of South Prince Street. Charged with delivery of marijuana, criminal conspiracy to deliver marijuana, criminal use of communication facility and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Committed to county prison in lieu of $30,000 bail.

• Eric Estrada Stewart, 31, of the 300 block of West Mifflin Street. Charged with delivery of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, criminal conspiracy to deliver marijuana and criminal use of communication facility. Committed to county prison in lieu of $30,000.

• Alexis Amaro-Rodriguez, 30, of the 1200 block of East Orange Street. Charged with delivery of heroin. Committed to county prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.

jtodd@lnpnews.com