U.S. Attorney Acknowledges Lee County Law Enforcement Upon Successful Conclusion of Operation Overload

U.S. Attorney Acknowledges Lee County Law Enforcement Upon Successful Conclusion of Operation Overload

TUPELO - On this date, more than a dozen agencies across North Mississippi came together for a press conference hosted by Lee County District Attorney Jason Herring. The conference announced the successful conclusion of "Operation Overload," which resulted in multiple arrests for illegal drug and firearm related charges. Such operations are only successful because of the powerful partnerships of these local, state and federal agencies.

Operation Overload included eight strategically planned saturations, which resulted in 793 citations, 51 illegal drug and firearm related charges, and 23 non-drug firearm related charges. Additionally, sixteen illegal aliens were arrested or retained by ICE because of the operation. DA Jason Herring pointed out in the news conference that these numbers are more than statistics but represent, "accountability, safer streets and disrupted criminal activity." He points out that drug trafficking is the root of criminal activity in this district. He reminds those that choose to do so will suffer the consequences of their actions through initiatives such as these.

U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated in the press conference that beginning in 2020, our borders opened up and drugs spilled into this country. Law enforcement witnessed the price of methamphetamine drop by 80%. Fentanyl pills that used to cost $30 a pill now cost dollars, and our young people paid the price. Cartels moved in, flooded our streets with drugs, took our money and killed our children. Lee County has provided an excellent example of what community policing looks like. Our goal is to assist local law enforcement in such successful endeavors. Leary reiterated: "We cover all northern MS and when I come to Lee County I just smile because this is what it looks like. It is our honor to work with you. We work for the citizens of this state, and they expect us to work together. To the degree it has not happened in the past, we are going to work hard to change that. This is an effective operation that will continue and hopefully we can get this violent crime spree and these cheap drugs addressed and off the street."

Operation Overload was a partnership between several law enforcement agencies including Lee County Sheriff's Department, North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, Tupelo Police Department, Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control, Shannon Police Department, Verona Police Department, Plantersville Police Department, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch's office, and federal partners.