Was that the name of the operation? I'd like to read about it. It sounds unusual and intriguing. But in my experience, police want to catch the big fish. In fact, that is how it works usually. One operation wouldn't negate that. The last big bust where I live was a big "crime family" who were being investigated for a long time and I think the police had to step up their game after a brutal murder and some tit-for-tats getting out of control. Everyone who is even close to it knows who these people are though and the police will only grab a trap house or whatever (we call them "cuckoos" nowadays although we never used to) if it can lead to some evidence leading up the ladder. Of course they need informants and some pigs will tell you that without informants, they can't make cases, but sometimes this is one big fish grassing on another.
@Bleaney I think you're right but only if they play ball. If I had ever used that market, I'd merely keep my mouth shut for now. If I was using it in any kind of significant way, I might get an hour in with the lawyer.