A two-month long law enforcement operation targeting violent crime in Palm Beach County has led to federal charges against 38 people, state charges against 8 others, and the seizure of dozens of firearms, illegal drugs, and ammunition, federal authorities announced last week Thursday July 9th 2026.
Dubbed “Operation Hurricane”, the initiative was launched in May by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division to combat illegal firearms trafficking and reduce violent crime across South Florida.
The results were announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quiñones, alongside officials from the ATF, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and several local law enforcement agencies.
Throughout the investigation, ATF agents from across the country joined South Florida law enforcement officers to assist with tactical operations, undercover investigations, and specialized investigative support.
Authorities said the majority of the 46 defendants are Palm Beach County residents accused of firearms and drug trafficking offenses.
During the operation, investigators recovered 94 firearms, including semiautomatic rifles and handguns, more than 600 rounds of ammunition, and approximately 9.4 kilograms of illegal drugs. The narcotics seized included fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other controlled substances.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said similar targeted enforcement operations have contributed to reductions in violent crime in communities where they have been carried out.
Federal officials said Operation Hurricane is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt illegal gun trafficking, and remove repeat violent offenders from communities across South Florida.
