A "multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime" led to the arrests of "27 gang members, drug traffickers, and child predators" in Rhode Island, the FBI announced.
"It's no secret that violent crime often surges in the summer, which is why the FBI and our partners joined forces to combat it by removing repeat violent offenders, gang members, drug traffickers, child predators, bank robbers, and fugitives from our streets," Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston Division, said in a media release.
"Every arrest sends a message: If you choose violence, if you choose to pollute our neighborhoods with deadly poison, if you choose to traffic illegal firearms, and harm our children, we're coming for you," Docks said.
The nationwide effort, dubbed "Operation Summer Heat 2.0," kicked off June 1 and continued through Sept. 20, according to the release.
"Nationally, Operation Summer Heat 2.0 led to 8,927 arrests, the recovery of 5,013 illegal weapons, the seizure of 687 kilos of deadly fentanyl, and 27,512 kilos of cocaine," the release said. "Additionally, agents, task force officers, and intelligence analysts investigating violent crimes against children identified or located 1,410 child victims."
On top of the 27 Rhode Island arrests, the law "seized 16 firearms, including two AR-15s and two fully automatic pistols, and five pounds of crystal methamphetamine," according to the release.
"The FBI also assisted the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force in locating and arresting 11 fugitives, including Ronald L. Fisher — one of Rhode Island's most wanted fugitives who was on the run for more than 20 years," the release said.
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