Project Safe Neighborhoods Apprehends 400 Fugitives in Western Virginia
More than 400 fugitives have been taken off the streets and millions of dollars in illegal drugs have been seized across Western Virginia through Project Safe Neighborhoods, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, WDBJ7 reported. The federal Department of Justice initiative unites federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to target violent offenders, illegal firearms, and narcotics trafficking.
“Over 400 fugitives were taken off the streets, several who were charged with serious offenses including murder, assault and battery on law enforcement, carjacking, armed robbery, and other serious offenses,” said Robert Tracci, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
US Attorney Report Details Fentanyl and Firearm Seizures
The inaugural annual report from the U.S. Attorney’s Office details the removal of more than 70 pounds of narcotics. That total includes enough fentanyl to kill 215,000 Virginians. Law enforcement also recovered multiple firearms, including machine guns.
In Roanoke specifically, 150 fugitives were arrested during the operations. Tracci noted that the local Roanoke initiative accounted for 170 lethal doses of fentanyl, $1 million worth of methamphetamine, and $700,000 worth of cocaine during operations spanning several days in May.
Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth termed the local effort “Operation Combined Resolve,” emphasizing that the outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of shared agency resources. At a June 10 press conference, Booth stated that the collaboration successfully removed dangerous firearms, seized significant narcotics quantities, and disrupted individuals driving community violence.
Federal Officials Point to Declining National Violent Crime Rates
Tracci highlighted recent FBI figures indicating that violent crime nationwide is falling at the fastest rate since the 1930s. He attributes that downward trend directly to multi-agency law enforcement partnerships. The U.S. Attorney’s Office holds regular planning meetings with police departments in Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, and the state police to identify emerging targets and prosecute offenders under federal law. Roanoke resident William Briggs said he feels safe in the city, noting that routine weekend crowds and occasional unhoused individuals are typical for any urban area.
Keep reading