NEWARK -- A month-long targeted drug operation in Newark resulted in 214 arrests as well as the seizure of 20 guns and more than $57,000 in cash and drugs, authorities said.

From April 21 through May 20, Newark police confiscated 2,163 packets of heroin, 1,076 vials and/or bags of cocaine, 480 plastic bags of marijuana, and 11 pills, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said in a release.

The street drugs seized were worth $41,747, police said. Cops also seized $16,071.98 in cash during the drug busts.

The ongoing crackdown is in response to resident complaints of open-air drug trafficking throughout the city, Ambrose said.

"We want the people who care about this city to know that we appreciate their partnership in helping to get guns and drugs off our streets," Ambrose said in a statement.

"This operation is producing tangible results largely due to the law abiding citizens who are increasingly coming forward with information to assist us to make Newark safer."

In the most recent four-day stint of the operation, police said 52 people were arrested, including 23 on drug-related offenses. Two people were caught with 212 vials of crack cocaine on them. The recent four-day sweep also saw three weapons arrests, Ambrose said, as police confiscated two handguns and a BB gun.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.