NORTH CAROLINA — A three-month, multi-agency law enforcement operation across the Charlotte region resulted in 157 arrests, the seizure of nearly 560 pounds of drugs and the recovery of 110 firearms, officials announced Monday.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the initiative, known as “Operation Spring Cleaning,” targeted violent offenders, drug traffickers, armed felons and fugitives operating throughout the Charlotte area and across state lines.
Authorities said 56 of the 157 suspects arrested during the operation are facing federal charges.
Officials reported that more than 48 pounds of fentanyl were among the drugs seized during the enforcement effort. The operation was conducted over a three-month period and involved multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said the operation was designed to address anticipated increases in violent crime and drug-related offenses during the summer months.
Officials said the coordinated effort focused on individuals they believe were contributing to gun violence, drug distribution and other criminal activity throughout the region.
The investigation and enforcement efforts involved agencies from both states as authorities worked to identify and arrest suspects operating across jurisdictional boundaries. Further details on individual arrests and charges were not immediately released.
