A two-month targeted operation aimed at reducing violent crime in Oklahoma City has resulted in charges against 50 individuals for various firearms and drug offenses.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Sonic Boom,” was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF) and US Marshals in collaboration with multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
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“There is no doubt that Operation Sonic Boom has had a resounding impact to make Oklahoma City safer,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This Operation alone removes from our streets nearly 200 dangerous firearms and machineguns, and over 63 kilos of deadly drugs. I commend ATF’s leadership with this effort and our law enforcement partners who worked together to make Operation Sonic Boom successful.”
The operation resulted in the seizure of:
- 193 firearms, including machine guns and machine gun conversion devices
- Over 63 kilograms of drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, with an estimated street value of $750,000
42 defendants face federal charges, including illegal firearms trafficking, unlawful possession of machine guns, and drug distribution conspiracy. Eight defendants face state charges in Oklahoma County District Court, including drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
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“Early mornings, late nights, time away from family, dangerous situations are all worth it for law enforcement officers when the outcome is life changing for the citizens and communities they protect. The streets of Oklahoma City are forever altered due to the excellent work by the United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and our law enforcement partners during Operation Sonic Boom,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “Operations like this highlight the importance of authentic relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. ATF will remain vigilant and steadfast in our fight against violent crime in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas and will continue to pursue the worst of the worst lawbreakers living amongst us.”
“We appreciate the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement officials during this months-long operation,” said Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna. “The invaluable work they did to get these guns and drugs off the streets and out of hands of dangerous felons will ultimately keep our city and citizens safer.”
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“This operation demonstrates the positive outcomes that can occur when law enforcement agencies work together to address a specific problem,” said Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy. “The partnership we have with these agencies help dismantle the networks that fuel violence by taking dangerous criminals, drugs, and firearms off the streets making our community a safer place.”
Operation Sonic Boom was funded by the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which supports cooperative efforts to address drug-related and violent crime.
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