United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAS VEGAS — Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Core 8 launched Operation Loaded Dice in July 2026. This was a strategic investigative initiative focused on disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations, gangs and other criminal networks involved in illicit firearms and narcotics trafficking, as well as bulk cash smuggling, and associated violent crime in the greater Las Vegas metropolitan area. 

Over the course of the approximately three-month initiative, HSTF law enforcement authorities arrested 144 suspects, seized 290 firearms, including machine guns, and seized 1,124 kilograms of narcotics and more than $1 million in cash and other assets. These enforcement actions also led to the initiation of 13 HSTF investigations in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. 

Through intelligence-driven investigations, coordinated enforcement actions, surveillance, controlled purchases and sustained investigative partnerships, the HSTF disrupted multiple criminal organizations operating within the Las Vegas metropolitan area. 

The investigations included networks associated with the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, as well as other regional drug trafficking organizations, gangs, and trafficking networks. 

“This coordinated operation is a powerful testament to the relentless dedication of our multiagency task force,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “By removing 144 suspects from our streets, we have dealt a decisive blow to the criminal networks attempting to exploit our community and compromise public safety. Our message is clear: If you threaten the security of Nevadans and our guests, Homeland Security and our law enforcement partners will find you, dismantle your operations and bring you to justice.”

“Strong policing requires true partnership, respect, and community trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “By unifying local, state and federal agencies, the HSTF initiative equips law enforcement to tackle crime collectively and save lives.” 

“We stand proud of the results achieved by Operation Loaded Dice. This is a vast operation, which has netted more than $1 million in assets, hauled away 290 firearms, and seized 1,100 kilograms of narcotics. Just as significant, we are taking 144 criminals off our streets,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brandon Lesky of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)'s Las Vegas District Office. “Through our whole-of-government approach, we leveraged each agency’s capabilities and relied heavily on sharp collaboration and open communication. The HSTF initiative empowers partners to continue tackling drug trafficking networks. The ultimate goal is to save lives.” 

“Through ATF’s participation in Homeland Security Task Forces, or HSTF, we help to disrupt major criminal organizations and criminal activity while working alongside our local, state and federal partners,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Elliott Prose of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)’s San Francisco Field Division. “By combining our resources through joint task forces and shared intelligence, we effectively and efficiently tackle the violent crime that threatens our communities head on. The investigations conducted thus far in the Las Vegas area serve as examples of the steps HSTF has taken and will continue to take when individuals choose to engage in conduct that endangers the wellbeing of our cities. ATF is proud to be a part of HSTF. We will continue to stay focused on our mission and continue to work in lock step with our partners.”

“We, the U.S. Marshals, are proud to stand with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in the Homeland Security Task Force against the criminals who prey on our community,” said U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield for the District of Nevada. “We remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We know we keep Nevada safe.”

“Operation Loaded Dice demonstrates the impact of a unified law enforcement response to the criminal organizations that endanger our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles. “By combining our collective authorities, resources, and expertise, the HSTF is identifying and disrupting the networks responsible for trafficking dangerous narcotics, illegal firearms and illicit proceeds. These results represent meaningful progress in protecting the people of southern Nevada and holding accountable those who threaten public safety.”

“Sheriff Kevin McMahill and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department are thankful for the partnerships we share with the Homeland Security Task Force. This strategic initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in keeping our community safe. Every suspect arrested, firearm recovered or case solved makes a significant impact on the well-being of those who live in Las Vegas.” 

“Criminal organizations operate beyond jurisdictional boundaries, making collaboration among law enforcement agencies essential,” said North Las Vegas Police Department Assistant Chief Adam Hyde. “The North Las Vegas Police Department remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt these organizations and keep our communities safe." 

“The Henderson Police Department relies on strong strategic partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement,” said Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader. “By sharing resources and intelligence, we're able to target the criminal organizations and keep our communities safe.”

The HSTF was established pursuant President Trump’s Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership focused on eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. President Trump vowed to make America safe again and by empowering law enforcement agencies and establishing task forces such as HSTF, he is making our nation safer and stronger.

Through interagency collaboration, the HSTF coordinates the capabilities of U.S. law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate, and prosecute the full range of crimes committed by these organizations, which contribute to violence and instability in communities across the country. The HSTF places particular emphasis on organizations whose criminal activity poses a threat to the safety and security of the United States.

The HSTF also uses all available lawful authorities to investigate and prosecute violent criminal offenders and, where appropriate and consistent with applicable law, support their removal from the United States. HSTF Core 8 consists of special agents, officers, analysts, prosecutors, and support personnel from participating federal, state, local, and regional agencies. Federal prosecutions are coordinated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

Homeland Security Task Force Core 8 includes the following federal partners: ATF; DEA; the Diplomatic Security Service; the Federal Air Marshal Service; the FBI; HSI; IRS; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; and the U.S. Marshals Service.

State, local and regional partners include the Clark County District Attorney’s Office; the Henderson Police Department; the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; the Mesquite Police Department; the Nevada Gaming Control Board; the Nevada Highway Patrol; the North Las Vegas Police Department; the Nye County Sheriff’s Office; the Reno Police Department; the Sparks Police Department; the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office; and the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office. 

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