The nationwide campaign, Operation Summer Heat 2.0, ran from June through September. During that timeframe, federal agents worked alongside state and local law enforcement partners to execute 80 arrests and carry out 43 major narcotics seizures across South Carolina.
The FBI says investigators disrupted the distribution of more than 16 kilograms of illicit substances, which included fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana; they also recovered 40 firearms. Compared to last year's summer initiative, FBI Columbia reported a 156% surge in arrests and a 266% increase in firearm seizures.
"This FBI continues to prioritize crushing violent crime by dedicating the resources and personnel to communities affected most by dangerous criminals," said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla, "Working hand-in-glove with our law enforcement partners is critical to tackling violent crime."
Federal prosecutors said that the multi-agency push targeted gang activity, illegal weapons dealing, and drug trafficking syndicates operating in South Carolina neighborhoods.
“We’re proud to partner with the FBI in their commitment to combat violent crime and make South Carolina safer,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’ll continue working with agencies across our state to investigate and prosecute violent criminals, drug traffickers and weapons dealers who seek to harm our communities.”
According to the FBI's 2025 Uniform Crime Reporting Summary, the operation's conclusion aligns with broader national trends showing declines in violent crime.