Martinsburg, West Virginia — Federal authorities have announced charges against 35 individuals following a major drug and firearms investigation in West Virginia, while simultaneously launching a new nationwide crime-fighting initiative aimed at reducing violent crime across the United States.
The announcement came Tuesday as the FBI highlighted the results of Operation Turf War, a yearlong federal enforcement effort that targeted narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms activity and violent criminal organizations.
Operation Turf War Results in 35 Charges
According to the FBI, FBI Pittsburgh and FBI Baltimore launched Operation Turf War in early 2025 in partnership with the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
Federal officials said the operation focused on identifying and disrupting criminal activity linked to illegal narcotics and firearms offenses throughout parts of West Virginia.
The investigation ultimately led to charges against 35 individuals, along with the seizure of weapons, drugs and funds allegedly connected to criminal enterprises.
Authorities said the operation also resulted in the forfeiture of proceeds believed to have been used to support violent criminal activity.
FBI Director Praises Collaborative Effort
FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as a significant success and credited the cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies.
“Operation Turf War was this FBI answering the call of a community that needed it the most,” Patel said in a statement.
“This was a massively successful operation right in West Virginia with nearly three dozen individuals arrested using sophisticated techniques, confidential informants, and precise collaboration across the entire FBI enterprise with our partners.”
Patel further stated that the investigation demonstrated “exactly what partnerships are supposed to look like.”
According to federal officials, agencies involved included the Martinsburg Police Department SWAT team, Jefferson County SWAT, and Homeland Security Investigations SWAT.
FBI Launches Operation Summer Heat 2.0
Alongside the West Virginia announcement, the FBI unveiled Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a nationwide initiative designed to combat violent crime during the summer months.
The program is a continuation of an effort first launched last year under former Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino.
Federal officials said the initiative will run through September 20 and will rely heavily on partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies.
Patel emphasized the bureau’s commitment to expanding successful enforcement strategies nationwide.
“For the next 95 days, the entire country will see this FBI replicating these exact efforts across America with Operation Summer Heat – an extension of our work last year led by then Deputy Director Dan Bongino to crush violent crime,” Patel said.
“We’re just getting started.”
Last Year’s Results Highlighted
The FBI pointed to substantial results from the previous Operation Summer Heat campaign.
Man Convicted of Killing Girlfriend’s 5-Month-Old Baby Scheduled for Execution in Florida
According to the bureau, last year’s initiative led to:
- More than 8,600 arrests nationwide
- Nearly 7,750 search operations
- 2,280 firearms seized
- More than 44,560 kilograms of cocaine confiscated
Federal officials said those numbers helped shape plans for this year’s expanded effort.
Expanded Enforcement Planned Across the Country
The FBI says Operation Summer Heat 2.0 will operate on a larger scale than last year’s campaign.
Authorities plan to work closely with local, state and federal partners to identify violent offenders, dismantle criminal networks and remove illegal firearms and narcotics from communities.
Federal officials say the initiative represents a coordinated effort to reduce violent crime while strengthening partnerships among law enforcement agencies nationwide.
As the operation unfolds over the coming months, authorities are expected to provide updates regarding arrests, seizures and enforcement actions across the country.
What are your thoughts on the FBI’s nationwide violent crime initiative? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
