United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK — Law Enforcement officials announced the results of Operation Clean Sweep – Onondaga County, a major enforcement initiative resulting in several arrests and significant seizures of firearms and narcotics.

Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, Northern District of New York, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge New York division Bryan DiGirolamo, Federal Bureau of Investigation Albany Field Office Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin, Onondaga County Sheriff Tobias Shelley, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, made the announcement.

“Operation Clean Sweep Onondaga County demonstrates what is possible when law enforcement agencies unite with one mission: protecting our communities from violent drug traffickers and armed criminals,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The seizure of 37 illegally possessed firearms, along with significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl represents more than evidence—it represents lives protected and violence prevented. Every firearm removed from our streets is one less weapon that can be used to intimidate or kill, and every gram of fentanyl seized is another step toward preventing a tragedy. The DEA New York Enforcement Division remains steadfast in our commitment to dismantle the criminal organizations fueling addiction and violence across Central New York.”

The success of this operation reflects enhanced cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, working collectively through integrated planning, intelligence sharing, and unified resources to address violent crime in Onondaga County.

Officials highlighted that this level of interagency coordination represents one of the most collaborative enforcement actions undertaken in the county in recent years.

Operation Clean Sweep – Onondaga County Results:

• 13 arrests connected to narcotics distribution and firearm offenses

• 11 kilograms of cocaine seized 

• 615 grams of crack cocaine seized

• 365 grams of fentanyl seized

• 3 pounds of methamphetamine seized

• 37 illegally possessed firearms seized

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Today’s results prove that when local law enforcement and local prosecutors, work together with federal law enforcement and federal prosecutors we can make a difference in the community.  As a result of this operation, 37 illegal firearms have been removed from our streets—each one representing countless potential lives saved. In addition to significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, this operation seized 365 grams of fentanyl. To put that into perspective, 365 grams of fentanyl equates to approximately 180,000 potentially lethal doses. That is enough fentanyl to fatally poison the equivalent of more than four sold‑out crowds at the JMA Wireless Dome.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said, “Violent crime doesn’t respect agency boundaries, and neither does our response. Operation Clean Sweep reflects what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners share intelligence, coordinate enforcement efforts, and pursue the individual’s driving violence in our communities. Together, we’ve removed dozens of illegal firearms, significant quantities of deadly drugs and disrupted criminal networks that threaten public safety. ATF NY remains committed to working alongside our partners to reduce gun violence and ensure those who traffic firearms and drugs are brought to justice. Thanks to the steady partnership with ATF NY Syracuse, Syracuse PD, NYS DOCCS & USAO NDNY.”

FBI Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli said, “Operations like Clean Sweep present the invaluable opportunity for federal, state, and local law enforcement to deliver a unified response to our shared mission of crushing violent crime and protecting our communities. By coming together, we can identify problematic criminals wreaking havoc in our communities, then quickly get to work to leverage our collective resources and hold them accountable. The success of this joint operation is the direct result of that remarkable collaboration. 37 illegal guns and a significant amount of deadly narcotics will never make it into our neighborhoods. FBI Albany remains deeply committed to continuing this important work with our outstanding partners throughout Onondaga County.”

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said, “I want to thank my friend, U.S. Attorney John Sarcone for honoring his commitment to work collaboratively with local law enforcement to keep Syracuse and other communities in the Northern District as safe as possible. In my three decades as District Attorney, this represents the highest level of cooperation we have had with our federal partners. Let this serve as fair warning to those who seek to prey on our community with deadly firearms and narcotics.”

"Operation Clean Sweep is a clear example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies come together with a shared mission of protecting our community and holding those who choose to bring violence and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods accountable. This operation highlights the strength of the partnerships we have built with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.  By working together, we are able to identify and disrupt criminal networks, remove dangerous individuals and illegal firearms from our streets, and make a meaningful impact on public safety,” said Chief Mark Rusin, Syracuse Police Department. 

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Disrupting the flow of illegal guns and narcotics and mitigating their source of supply remains a top priority for the State Police. Not only has the success of this operation saved lives, but it has also put an end to the violence associated with these illegal possessions. I commend our State Police members and all law enforcement partners involved for their intelligence, coordination, and expertise in keeping New Yorkers safe.”

"Operation Clean Sweep is about a direct, unwavering commitment to the safety and peace of mind of every resident in Onondaga County. By working shoulder to shoulder with our local and federal partners, we are actively pulling dangerous weapons and illegal drugs off our streets before they can destroy more lives or disrupt our neighborhoods. I want the people of Onondaga County to know, without a doubt, that law enforcement is working diligently in your communities every single day. We are focused, relentless, and unified in our mission to protect your families, restore peace to our streets, and ensure that our county remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Sheriff Tobias Shelley

Today’s announcement underscores the shared commitment of all participating agencies to protect the community, disrupt violent criminal networks, and hold offenders accountable. The arrests and seizures described are at various stages of judicial proceedings. Accordingly, any statements made here constitute allegations only. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

These cases are being investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, Syracuse Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The cases are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.