Las Cruces operation targeting crime leads to 237 arrests

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- Local and federal authorities seized hundreds of grams of narcotics and made more than 200 arrests during a five-week-long operation targeting violent crime. The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Mexico said it happened in Las Cruces and the surrounding areas.

Operation Triple Beam-Prolific started Aug. 24 and ended Sept. 25. The operation involved the Las Cruces Police Department and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. They apprehended fugitives and targeted narcotics and narcotics offenders.

In total, authorities made 237 arrests, seized 17 firearms, recovered two vehicles and seized several narcotics. The U.S. Marshals Service District of New Mexico said authorities seized 54 grams of cocaine, 403.4 grams of methamphetamine and 110 grams of fentanyl.

"This successful operation has communicated to those who seek to harm others in our community
that we will not tolerate violence and disorder," said Las Cruces Police Department Chief Jeremy Story. "It also shows our citizens that law enforcement at all levels will work together to reduce crime and prevent victimization in our beautiful city."

Along with the Marshals Service, the following agencies helped with the operation:

Federal Bureau of Investigation

• U.S. Attorney’s Office
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Las Cruces Police Department
• New Mexico State Police
• New Mexico Corrections Department
• Office of Third Judicial District Attorney