FBI Cleveland officials announced this week that a massive federal crackdown across Northern Ohio resulted in nearly 300 arrests and the seizure of over half a ton of narcotics.
The operation came from the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), a multi-agency coalition launched earlier this year to dismantle criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational organizations operating within the state.
Between February 1 and November 20, 2025, the task force executed 467 search warrants, leading to 297 arrests. Agents also removed 241 weapons from circulation.
The seized narcotics highlight the scale of trafficking networks targeting the region. Authorities confiscated a total of 643.6 kilos (about 1,418 pounds) of illegal drugs.
Methamphetamine dominated the haul, accounting for nearly 418 kilos. Agents also recovered more than 210 kilos of cocaine, along with smaller but potent amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine.
“The HSTF model allows all agencies to work lockstep with a common goal and shared mission: crush the presence of criminal organizations in our communities,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen.
Nelsen stressed that the recent figures mark only the beginning of the initiative.
“Make no mistake, if you are engaging in transnational organized crime and related criminal conduct, we will find you, we will investigate you, and we will bring you to justice,” Nelsen said.
The HSTF was formally established in March 2025 following a directive from the White House’s Homeland Security Council. The initiative surged resources and streamlined intelligence sharing between federal and local partners to combat crimes from drug and weapons trafficking to money laundering and human smuggling.
The Northern Ohio operation involved a wide array of partners beyond the FBI and DHS, including the DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
United States Attorney David M. Toepfer said the primary goal is protecting neighborhoods from the violence often tied to organized crime.
“Communities should not have to live in fear and under threat of violence from criminal organizations,” Toepfer said. “Our federal prosecutors are on a mission to put dangerous individuals who have no regard for others—or for the law—behind bars where they can no longer hurt people.”
Authorities continue to ask for the public’s help identifying potential threats. Officials urge anyone with information about criminal activity to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
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