Boston (WBZ Newsroom)  -- Officers from the Boston Police Drug Control Unit, the Youth Violence Strike Force, the Boston Police Fugitive and Apprehension Unit and the Massachusetts State Police arrested 33 people wanted on outstanding drug charges, primarily crack cocaine.

Thursday's arrests were the result of a four month undercover operation devised by officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force, the Drug Control Unit and the Special Investigations Unit targeting specific impact players known to be conducting illegal drug activity in the Downtown Theater District.

Boston Police say many of the suspects involved originated from all parts of the city with gang affiliations and prior arrests or convictions for drug distribution or acts of violence. A total of 33 individuals have been charged as a result of Operation Curtain Call.

Police Commissioner Ed Davis commended the work of officers as well as state and federal law enforcement partners who participated in the effort. Boston Police say the sweep will serve as a dual purpose by removing individuals who sell dangerous drugs downtown and then return to their neighborhoods where many attempt to control their community by threats and intimidation which leads to violent activity such as shootings and homicides.

District Attorney Dan Conley says, "The poet WH Auden said that all good drama has two movements - the making of a mistake and the discovery that it was a mistake. These defendants, having learned the error of their ways, are leaving this stage for good."