The FBI Springfield Field Office, in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, announces the results of Operation Viper, a high-intensity fugitive apprehension initiative. The five-day surge resulted in the arrest of 29 individuals, the recovery of seven illegally possessed firearms, and the seizure of over $8,264 in narcotics-related currency.
Operation Viper focused on locating and apprehending violent offenders with active warrants. This coordinated strike spanned the eastern side of Central Illinois and focused on the most “high-impact” fugitives in that region.
Operation highlights
The operation’s primary objective was the removal of those who are driving up violent crime rates. Notable results include:
- total arrests: 29
- narcotics seized:
- 4195.4 grams marijuana
- 781.1 grams unidentified pills
- 50 grams cocaine
- 234.2 grams Methamphetamine
- firearms:
- five handguns
- two assault rifles
“The success of Operation Viper highlights the seamless integration of federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said FBI Springfield Field Office’s Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley. “No single agency can combat violent crime alone, but, by pooling resources, immediate threats to the public were eliminated. Maintaining this relentless pressure on violent crime remains a priority to protect the public.”
“This operation sent a clear message that illegal activity has no place in our communities,” said Decatur Chief of Police Brad Allen. “I’m proud of the work our officers and partner agencies did to take 29 offenders into custody and remove significant quantities of narcotics and weapons from our streets. This is about protecting lives, improving neighborhood safety, and holding those who choose to break the law accountable. Our work continues, and we remain committed to keeping our community safe.”
Participating agencies
Operation Viper was led by the FBI Springfield Field Office, with significant support from the United States Marshals Service, Decatur Police Department, and Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office.
The United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force is a multiagency task force with divisions in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Central District of Illinois has task force locations in Springfield, Peoria, and Urbana and is composed of members from Springfield PD, Sangamon Co. State’s Attorney’s Office, Macoupin Co. SO, Southern View PD, Taylorville PD, Illinois Department of Corrections Apprehension, Peoria Co. SO, Peoria PD, Bloomington PD, Normal PD, Knox Co. SO, Decatur PD, Champaign Co. State’s Attorney’s Office, Champaign PD, Danville PD, Kankakee PD, Kankakee Co. SO, Bradley PD, Moultrie Co. SO, Paris PD, Department of Homeland Security-Enforcement and Removal, and the Illinois National Guard Counterdrug TF. Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at usmarshals.gov.