Patricia Bradley and neighbor Michael Martin know all too well the dangers of living in the Langston Terrace area of Northeast Washington.

"I don't let my kids over there on that playground because some people got shot over there, somebody got shot on that corner, somebody got shot here," said resident Patricia Bradley

"It got wild for a while. You couldn't even walk down the street," said resident Michael Martin

Police say some of the violence that plagues this community, especially a spat of shootings in late 2006 and early 2007, stemmed from drug turf wars.

Local and Federal authorities say those gun battles inspired them to form an undercover unit determined to clean up this area.

Tuesday, police announced that they had effectively dismantled the Langston Terrace crew, as it was called, after making several arrests of people considered high profile members of the suspected drug trafficking operation.

"It's a good day for Langston Terrace. It's a good day to bring some safety back to this community, but we're not done," said Joseph Persichini of the FBI (web) .

According to authorities, the organization set up shop daily along these streets, selling heroine and crack cocaine.

Residents say word of the arrests is wonderful news, especially for a mother who doesn't allow her children to venture beyond the front yard.

"Peace at last, peace at last. The police, they have a lot of work to do and they are really trying," said Bradley.

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