Cleveland police seize 92 guns and make 90 arrests in crime reduction initiative

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Cleveland Division of Police shared Friday the results of a crime reduction initiative that included the seizure of 92 guns and 90 arrests.

Police worked with state and local agencies in their Safety, Presence, and Focus-216 (SPF-216) initiative, which aims to reduce violent crime, target drug trafficking and remove illegal guns from neighborhoods.

Police said the initiative began April 15.

In the 47 days since it began, police made 90 felony arrests and 92 gun seizures, including 10 illegal guns.

Police worked with Safe Streets Gang Task Force, ATF Violent Crime Gun Task Force – Crime Gun Intelligence Center, the Narcotics Unit, Cartel Gang Narcotics and Laundering Task Force, the NICE Unit/Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and police SWAT for these crime reduction efforts.

Investigation Results

Police said detectives conducted more than 30 searches and found more than $450,000 in suspected drugs.

From those searches, they recovered dangerous narcotics, including 44 pounds of cocaine and 2 kilograms of fentanyl.

SWAT conducted 54 searches and responded to 10 call-ups.

In one investigation conducted by the Narcotics Unit, detectives found 1,750 grams of fentanyl, two handguns, $4,624 in cash and a drug press.

Police said the unit conducted another search of a car and a downtown Cleveland apartment in connection with a fatal overdose investigation.

From the car and apartment search, detectives recovered fentanyl, crack cocaine and $4,854.

The unit also searched a motel in the Fifth District, which resulted in the seizure of narcotics and two arrests, police said.

The two arrests were for involuntary manslaughter.

The fugitive task force arrested 64 violent fugitives wanted for charges including aggravated murder, felonious assault, rape and aggravated robbery.

“Through targeted enforcement efforts and strong interagency collaboration, these arrests have removed dangerous offenders from Cleveland’s streets and helped enhance public safety throughout the community,” police said.