At least nine people were arrested on drug charges today during a sweep of homes in the Penn Hills area, according to the Allegheny County District attorney's office.

Eight different agencies, including Penn Hills police and Allegheny County probation officers, were involved with the operation. Authorities had planned to execute 20 arrest warrants and 18 search warrants, and some suspects are still being pursued, said Mike Manko, a spokesman for District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.

Mr. Zappala announced the arrests at Penn Hills' Washington Elementary School during the launch of the S.T.A.R. program, a joint initiative between the district attorney's office, the Penn Hills School District and the municipality of Penn Hills. The program, which stands for Stand Together, Act Responsibly, is designed to encourage young students to report crime and bullying in their schools and neighborhoods.

"With younger kids we're trying to help them make good decisions at an earlier age ... but with the older kids that have made decisions, especially if you want to sell drugs, the ramifications are like today," he said. "We arrest you, and whatever the courts decide to do with you, your future changes today."

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