Officials Announce Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley

ROANOKE, Va. - Law enforcement leaders from more than a dozen agencies across the Roanoke Valley announced the results of Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley today. Combined Resolve, a month-long enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and in furtherance of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods, resulted in more than 150 arrests and the seizure of nearly $2 million dollars' worth of street drugs.

Between May 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026, 78 officers from 15 partner agencies arrested 150 fugitives and executed 302 warrants.

The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly $2 million dollars' worth of street drugs. These drugs included 338 doses of MDMA, 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 12 kilograms of cocaine.

Finally, 352 grams of fentanyl was seized, enough potential lethal doses to kill 176,097 people, or more people than the entire population of the Roanoke Valley.

In addition to drug seizures, $93,940 in cash, 20 handguns, and 1 rifle were seized.

"Operation Combined Resolve resulted in the arrest of over 300 individuals and the capture of 150 fugitives wanted for offenses including assault and battery on law enforcement, carjacking, robbery, aggravated malicious wounding, assault by mob, and crimes against children. The US Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia will continue to maximize strategic law enforcement partnerships through Project Safe Neighborhoods to enhance cooperation and information sharing that ensures a sure and rapid response to violent crime and other threats to our citizens," First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. "I am proud to stand with law enforcement partners including the Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Vinton Police Departments, VSP, Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Program, Roanoke area Commonwealth's Attorneys, ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, and other partners who contributed to the outstanding success of Combined Resolve. Like Operation Washout No Limits in Danville last October, Combined Resolve reflects our collective and unyielding determination to enhance community safety and the rule of law in our communities. These efforts will continue throughout the Western District of Virginia."

"Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley is a continuing example of how partnerships and true collaboration, among law enforcement partners in the Western District of Virginia, results in safer streets and communities by leveraging the full weight and commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement to bring violent offenders to justice, remove illegal drugs and guns from our communities, and fight organized crime. I commend First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci for his leadership and spearheading the operation, as well as our local operational commander Chief Booth, for his tenacity and dedication to the citizens we serve. We also extend gratitude to Roanoke City Commonwealth's Attorney John McNeil, Jr. and Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney Brian Holohan, for the substantial work of their staff as well as their guidance, oversight, and prosecutorial judgements in future prosecutions. All the participant agencies contributed significantly, and none of these excellent results, for our citizens, would have been accomplished without every leader and officer involved. Finally, we suggest this operation is the first of many future collaborations in continued and enhanced partnerships. Criminals should take notice. If you are wanted for a crime, committing violent crime, or are part of a transnational gang, your time of freedom is limited if you stay in the Roanoke Valley," said Acting United States Marshal Matthew Davis.

"Today's results are a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies come together with one common goal: the safety and security of the Roanoke Valley. The success of this operation demonstrates that through collaboration, shared resources, and a unified commitment to public safety, we are able to deliver results that no single agency could achieve alone. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every agency and officer who participated in this effort. In particular, I want to recognize First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Tracci and his team from the Western District of Virginia, as well as the United States Marshals Service, for their partnership, leadership, and dedication throughout this operation. Together, we are sending a clear message that public safety remains our top priority and that law enforcement agencies across this region stand united in our commitment to reducing violent crime, removing illegal drugs and firearms from our streets, and holding offenders accountable. Operation Combined Resolve reflects the best of law enforcement partnership and will continue to serve as a model for our future efforts to protect and serve the people who call the Roanoke Valley home," said Scott Booth, Chief of Police, City of Roanoke.

"Operations like this highlight the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in addressing the dangerous connection between narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms. ATF remains steadfast in its mission to protect our communities by supporting investigations that remove violent offenders, illegal firearms, and dangerous narcotics from our streets, " said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood.

"Every day, Postal Inspectors work to protect the mail from being misused by criminals, including large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations. When prevention and investigative efforts can come together with the efforts of other agencies to identify and charge individuals who distribute drugs throughout Virginia, it makes all our communities safer. I want to acknowledge the contributions of the combined efforts of officers and agents from the multiple involved agencies for the impressive work accomplished. Through combined efforts such as this, the Postal Inspection Service upholds its long-standing mission of protecting our Postal customers and eliminating criminal misuse of the U.S. Mail," said Damon Wood, Inspector in Charge, USPIS Washington Division.

"Some of the primary goals of the Virginia State Police are to preserve life and to protect the vulnerable. Collaborative efforts, such as this, enhance our capability of achieving these goals through problem solving partnerships. We are pleased with the results and grateful for the contributions of the involved agencies. We look forward to further cooperation on future operations," said Shawn Caudill - Captain, Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

This operation was part of the revamped Project Safe Neighborhoods, a combined law enforcement initiative that aims to provide a rapid response to violent crime, conduct strategic federal, state, local, and tribal partnerships, and increase accountability and deterrence to promote public safety.