200 Arrests, Cocaine Seized During Cleveland Police Operation

CLEVELAND, OH — More than 200 people have been arrested as part of a combined law enforcement effort in Cleveland. "Operation We Are CLE" has led to the confiscation of 36 firearms and seizure of 60 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin in Cleveland.

“This operation embodies the best of Project Safe Neighborhoods – working with federal and state agencies and local police to tailor a strategy that makes the most sense for specific areas,” d U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin E. Herdman said. “This operation got a lot of dangerous people, firearms and dangerous drugs off the streets of Cleveland.”

Between April 23 and May 18, the US Marshals, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and various state and local law enforcement agencies, conducted coordinated operations focusing on specific Cleveland neighborhoods. Law enforcement sought out people with outstanding warrants, conducted vice operations, held vehicle checkpoints, traffic enforcement and utilized other tactics.

Over that roughtly three week period, "the Marshals Service, working with Cleveland police, targeted and arrested violent fugitives. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department did address checks on registered sex offenders. The FBI and Cleveland Division of Police worked together to identify and target criminals involved in firearms violence. The DEA seized 60 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 4.7 kilograms of heroin, 100 grams of a fentanyl/carfentanil mixture, seven firearms and $271,000 in cash," the Department of Justice said.

During that time period, arrests were up 175 percent versus the same period last year. Homicides also went down 20 percent citywide during the first phase of Operation We Are CLE.

The Department of Justice said in a press release that it is anticipated that many of these arrests and seizures of drugs and firearms will result in charges being filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.

“The US Marshals have a long history of working with Cleveland Police and other agencies to address our community’s most pressing crime issues. We are glad we were able to hold dozens of known fugitives accountable as summer starts and people go out to enjoy their city," said U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio Peter J. Elliott.

Phase two of Operation We Are CLE is now underway.

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