An unprecedented 60-plus abandoned houses in Dallas, many connected with illegal activity, will be demolished by the Texas National Guard as part of their Operation Crackdown counter-drug task force program. The program officially begins today and will continue through August.

“We are excited that Operation Crackdown is demolishing structures in our City that have been havens for drugs and other criminal activity,” said Community Prosecutor Jill Haning. “The demolitions are a positive development and an essential part of the fight against blight in our neighborhoods.”

Dallas is one of the largest cities to benefit from the program, which uses drug forfeiture funds to pay for demolitions of known drug houses. Working as an active partner with cities, Operation Crackdown reclaims neighborhoods from the influences of illegal drugs and associated violence by removing structures that house illegal activities. To date, the Guard has demolished more than 1,300 structures in 24 communities statewide.

“Operation Crackdown is a major opportunity to help make neighborhoods safer, more walkable and more livable by clearing out many dilapidated and crime-infested structures” said Greater Dallas Restaurant Association President Andrew Wilt. “We’re honored to help those on the front lines get a great, nourishing meal every day they are involved in this effort.”

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