MIRAMAR, FLA. – A sweeping crime crackdown dubbed Operation Viper has resulted in dozens of arrests across South Florida, along with the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and cash. The FBI, working in close partnership with local law enforcement, said the coordinated effort was key to the operation’s success.
On Wednesday, federal and local authorities displayed some of the confiscated items, including a dangerously modified Glock pistol.
“This firearm was converted from a semi-automatic — which fires one round per trigger pull — into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing roughly 1,200 rounds per minute,” explained FBI Special Agent Peter Ganzert.
The weapon, officials said, was just one of many dangerous items removed from the streets during the six-week operation.
“Guns, narcotics, and violent offenders were taken off the streets just ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz.
Authorities described Operation Viper as a targeted collaboration between federal and local agencies aimed at reducing crime.
“Our mission was simple,” said Assistant Sheriff Eric Garcia of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. “To eradicate crime.”
This effort follows a similar operation last month that led to 31 arrests and the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine, flakka, cocaine, and firearms. While that initiative focused on drug offenses, Operation Viper placed greater emphasis on violent crime.
In total, the operation led to 60 local arrests and five federal arrests, along with the seizure of 21 firearms, significant quantities of drugs, and cash.
In Fort Lauderdale alone, the operation resulted in 16 arrests over just three days, according to Chief Schultz. Charges included armed robbery, burglary, grand theft, drug trafficking, and firearms violations.
Miami Gardens Police Assistant Chief Joe Nargiso added that some of the suspects were documented gang members and homicide suspects.
“One case involved Romanian nationals on an FBI national alert for fraud and forgery within our city,” Schultz said.
City of Miami Police Chief Manny Morales emphasized the broader impact: “The individuals we’ve arrested are responsible for much of the trauma and chaos our communities endure. This operation shows how much safer our streets can be when we work together.”
Morales also credited Operation Viper agents for their rapid response during a recent lockdown at Stranahan High School, where a false report of an active shooter — later identified as a swatting incident — was swiftly handled thanks to their nearby presence.