VIRGINIA — Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies announced the results of a month-long crime reduction initiative Wednesday that led to more than 150 arrests, hundreds of warrants served and nearly $2 million worth of drugs seized throughout the Roanoke Valley.
Operation Combined Resolve brought together dozens of agencies throughout May to target violent crime, illegal drugs, firearms offenses and wanted fugitives.
According to officials, the operation resulted in the arrest of 150 fugitives, the execution of 302 warrants and the issuance of 273 citations. More than 75 officers participated in the effort.
Authorities said investigators seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and MDMA, along with multiple firearms during the operation.
Officials reported that the amount of fentanyl recovered could potentially deliver a lethal dose to approximately 176,000 people, based on estimates that as little as two milligrams can be fatal.
Several significant seizures were highlighted during the operation. On May 12, officers arrested a convicted felon and recovered two firearms after observing the suspect place an object inside a vehicle. On May 18, investigators seized approximately 12 ounces of fentanyl, firearms and cash from a location on Atwood Road. A search warrant executed the following day resulted in the seizure of six firearms, including one equipped with a Glock switch, along with methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Officials said the operation focused on disrupting the connection between illegal drugs, firearms and violent crime.
Participating agencies included the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, the Roanoke Police Department, Roanoke County Police Department, Salem Police Department, Vinton Police Department and several other federal, state and local partners.
Law enforcement leaders said similar collaborative operations are expected to continue in the future as agencies work together to combat crime throughout the region.
