PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Nearly 50 people in three counties were arrested this summer as local agencies partnered with the FBI to target violent crime.
Multiple law enforcement agencies held a Tuesday afternoon news conference at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office to make the announcement.
WATCH BELOW: 'Operation Viper' nets 48 arrests across 3 counties
Investigators said the operation, called "Operation Viper," ran from mid-July through September in West Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
The operation resulted in 48 arrests and the seizure of 23 firearms and drug paraphernalia.
Brett Skiles, who is the FBI Miami special agent in charge, said his agency would continue to keep its "foot on the gas" with additional operations planned in the coming months.
WATCH BELOW: FBI, other agencies announce arrests in 'Operation Viper'
"The most effective weapon against crime is cooperation between law enforcement and the results speak for themselves," Skiles said.
WPTV pushed the FBI for answers as to what charges the suspects are facing, the legal status of the suspects, what some of their previous charges have been for the repeat offenders picked up and if any of the weapons taken into evidence were owned illegally.
However, agents chose to stay tight-lipped since the cases are still being reviewed.
Among the agencies that attended the Tuesday afternoon news conference are the following:
- FBI Miami
- Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
- Martin County Sheriff's Office
- St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office
- West Palm Beach Police Department
- Riviera Beach Police Department
- Palm Beach Gardens Police Department
- Port St. Lucie Police Department
"Operation Viper sent a clear message to violent offenders across our region: we will not tolerate gun violence or those who bring fear into our neighborhoods," Sheriff Richard Del Toro said. "This operation is a powerful example of what can be achieved when federal and local agencies unite with a shared mission. We are grateful to FBI Miami for bringing their expertise and resources to support our local efforts. Together, we made a meaningful impact safer, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities."
The FBI said Operation Viper was first conducted in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in May and June, resulting in 60 local and five federal arrests plus the seizure of 21 firearms.
