Police and federal prosecutors said Wednesday that they've made significant progress in the war on Hawaii's drug problem, adding that a sweep of drug dealers in Kalihi was their latest success.

Next to Kapalama Canal mauka of King Street, police said kids often dodged drug dealers on their way to school.

“It is kind of scary because sometimes they get mad at you or something like that, they might harass you,” said Maj. Kurt Kendro of the Honalulu Police Department. “These street dealers really put a blight on the area.”

Police announced indictments of 15 alleged low-level dealers Wednesday, all of whom will be prosecuted under federal weed and seed laws.

“These drugs were openly and deliberately sold in our communities in children's playgrounds, elementary schools,” said Hawaii U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo.

Honolulu police in plain clothes made the undercover drug buys. Now those charged could face mandatory federal prison sentences without parole if convicted.

Stiffer federal penalties combined with drug treatment gives federal prosecution more impact than state courts and prisons.

“Kind of feel happy because they are gone,” said Honolulu Police Chief Boisse Correa.

Correa said similar operations are under way elsewhere on Oahu.