FBI charges 35 in West Virginia drug and firearms operation, launches nationwide summer crime initiative

The bureau said FBI Pittsburgh and FBI Baltimore launched Operation Turf War in early 2025 alongside the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.

The operation resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics, along with the forfeiture of proceeds allegedly used to fund violent criminal activity, according to the FBI.

"This was a massively successful operation right in West Virginia with nearly three dozen individuals arrested using sophisticated techniques, confidential informants, and precise collaboration across the entire FBI enterprise with our partners," he continued.

Patel said the operation demonstrated "exactly what partnerships are supposed to look like."

"We're just getting started," he added.

According to the FBI, last year's Operation Summer Heat resulted in more than 8,600 arrests, nearly 7,750 search operations, the seizure of 2,280 firearms and more than 44,560 kilograms of cocaine.

The bureau said this year's operation will be conducted on a larger scale, with federal officials working alongside state and local partners to identify and disrupt violent criminals.