CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A three-month multi-jurisdictional enforcement surge, dubbed "Operation Spring Cleaning," has led to 56 federal charges, the seizure of over 254 kilograms of drugs—including more than 22 kilograms of fentanyl—the recovery of 110 illegal firearms, and the apprehension of 157 fugitives across North and South Carolina. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced the results today, highlighting a coordinated effort to combat violent crime and drug trafficking.
The operation specifically targeted violent offenders, drug traffickers, armed felons, and fugitives responsible for spreading deadly drugs and driving gun violence throughout the region. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said the initiative was designed to "get ahead of" the usual increase in violent and drug crimes seen during the summer, removing "the worst offenders off the streets before they can recruit others." He emphasized that criminals do not respect state lines, necessitating the multi-state collaboration.
Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, worked alongside state and local law enforcement from both North and South Carolina. Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, underscored the importance of "intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts" in achieving these results. Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge, added that "these partnerships allow us to extend our reach, share intelligence in real time, and target threats at every level."
The charged defendants face various offenses, including drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery. This operation is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office's ongoing violent crime reduction strategy and supports the Justice Department’s broader "Operation Take Back America," which aims to dismantle criminal organizations and protect communities from violent crime.