U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne and acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division have announced the outcomes of a recent operation targeting repeat offenders in South Florida. The initiative, named "Operation Showdown," was launched by the ATF in April to combat violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking in the region.
The operation has led to federal charges against 31 residents from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for offenses related to firearms and narcotics trafficking. Authorities seized 80 firearms, including automatic and semiautomatic weapons, rifles, handguns, machine gun conversion devices, and 900 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, around 10 kilograms of illegal drugs were confiscated, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, oxycodone, among others.
"Drugs and guns continue to fuel the violence that threatens the safety of our community," stated U.S. Attorney O’Byrne. He emphasized that through collaboration with ATF and other law enforcement agencies they aim to ensure South Florida is characterized by safety rather than fear.
Acting Special Agent Mallory highlighted the long-term results achieved through this enhanced enforcement initiative. He reiterated ATF's commitment to keeping violent offenders out of communities with support from local and federal partners.
The operation involved cooperation from several agencies including the United States Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and The Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Several cases are being prosecuted under different case numbers by various Assistant U.S. Attorneys as part of this operation which falls under "Operation Take Back America." This nationwide initiative seeks to address illegal immigration issues while combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
It is important to note that charges filed are allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.