Memphis and Jackson, TN - Operation “Bluff City Blues," a two-week long joint federal, state and local law enforcement initiative, has resulted in the arrests of 214 individuals in West Tennessee. Those arrested included 79 gang members, 65 individuals for aggravated assault, 34 individuals for homicide and 69 individuals for weapons offenses.
The United States Marshals led initiative brought together federal, state and local law enforcement partners to reduce crime in West Tennessee by identifying and arresting violent fugitives, targeting violent gang activity and collecting intelligence to allow for the systematic removal of individuals who have been charged with committing violent crimes.
In addition to the arrests, Operation Bluff City Blues resulted in the seizure of approximately 771.9 grams of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and crack, $17, 240 in cash, and 28 firearms as well as the recovery of 4 stolen vehicles. In addition, almost 78 registered sex offenders living in Madison and Shelby Counties were checked for compliance with sex offender registration requirements.
Since 2010, the USMS has led more than 70 counter-gang operations which have resulted in more than 8,000 arrests and the seizure of more than 1,800 illegal firearms. For the last 10 years, the overarching goal of the USMS nationwide Operation Triple Beam and Washout initiative has been to bring relief to the residents of communities by strategically and actively pursuing gang members and criminals most responsible for the worst crime and violence in those communities.
The following agencies participated in Operation “Bluff City Blues":
* United States Marshals Service
* United States Attorney’s Office
* Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
* United States Probation Service
* District Attorney General’s Office (Shelby County)
* District Attorney General’s Office (Madison County)
* Memphis Police Department
* Jackson Police Department
* Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
* Madison County Sheriff’s Office
* Tennessee Department of Correction
* Tennessee Highway Patrol (Jackson Office)
* Tennessee Highway Patrol (Memphis Office)
For operational still photos, please visit https://www.flickr.com/gp/usmarshals/z94c83
