A joint law enforcement effort led to the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs and 20 firearms in Broome County, according to a May 4 announcement by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli, and Sheriff Fred Akshar.
The operation, called Operation Clean Sweep, involved federal, state, and local agencies working together over the past year to address drug trafficking and gun crimes in the area. The collaboration resulted in the confiscation of fentanyl, methamphetamine, liquid methadone, crack cocaine, cocaine powder, psychedelic mushrooms, marijuana products as well as firearms that were illegally possessed.
Sarcone said: “Since I was appointed to lead this Office on March 17, 2025, one of my top priorities has been improving and solidifying the collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement in this District because this collaboration saves lives. I have worked tirelessly to achieve that goal and ensure that none of the 32 counties we serve was left behind in the process. This is no truer than in Broome County... our law enforcement partners in the Northern District of New York can once again use every legal tool at their disposal compliments of the U.S. Department of Justice to once again maximize its ability to protect the public from those who possess illegal firearms [and] traffic illegal drugs that destroy lives.”
Battisti said: “All of this has been removed from the street because Broome County law enforcement is collaborating with our federal, state and local partners. We have incredible members of law enforcement here in Broome County and every day this collaboration gets stronger.” Tremaroli added: “Operation Clean Sweep was a remarkable success because... while we all may wear a different badge... we know we can best accomplish that mission when we work together.” Akshar stated: “The interagency partnership... should send a clear message to those who continue to peddle poison... We are coming for you and you will be held accountable.”
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York supports community wellness by coordinating law enforcement initiatives aimed at deterring crime according to its official website. The office maintains facilities across Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh and Syracuse according to its official website, operates as part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website, employs about 50 Assistant United States Attorneys along with more than 50 support staff according to its official website, prosecutes federal criminal cases while defending civil matters on behalf of the United States according to its official website, covers an area exceeding 30,000 square miles with about 3.4 million residents across northern and central New York's 32 counties according to its official website, handles both prosecutions as well as support for victims within these regions according to its official website.
Officials indicated that operations like Clean Sweep represent ongoing efforts by multiple agencies aiming for safer communities through continued cooperation.
