AUSTIN, Texas — Nineteen people have been arrested as part of a two-month crackdown on open-air drug markets in North Austin.

According to the Austin Police Department, the department's North Metro Tactical Unit targeted seven high-crime areas, or "hotspots," as part of the operation. Six of the areas investigated were within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares or playgrounds, meaning they are designated as Drug Free Zones.

Police said the hotspot areas have been characterized by frequent loitering and frequent drug deals. Historically, police said these areas have also been linked to criminal offenses such as assaults, thefts, robberies, weapon-related crimes, prostitution, vandalism and various other disturbances.

Police said in some instances, the drug dealers were so brazen that they wo

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