46 people arrested, 94 illegal guns seized in Palm Beach County operation

A two-month, multi-agency enforcement initiative targeting violent offenders in Palm Beach County has resulted in federal charges against 38 defendants, state charges against eight others, and the seizure of 94 firearms and large quantities of illegal narcotics, federal officials announced Thursday.

The operation, known as “Operation Hurricane,” was launched in May by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division as part of an effort to disrupt illegal firearms trafficking and reduce violent crime across South Florida.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quiñones announced the results alongside federal and local law enforcement partners, including officials from the ATF, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local police agencies.

During the operation, ATF personnel from across the country worked with law enforcement agencies in South Florida, providing support for tactical operations, technical assistance and undercover investigations.

Authorities said most of the 46 defendants are Palm Beach County residents facing firearms and narcotics trafficking charges.

Investigators seized:

• 94 firearms, including semiautomatic rifles and handguns;
• More than 600 rounds of ammunition;
• Approximately 9.4 kilograms of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine and other controlled substances.

“Operation Hurricane shows the Homeland Security Task Force model at work: federal, state, and local law enforcement moving as one team to identify the drivers of violence and remove illegal guns and drugs from our streets,” Reding Quiñones said.

“This was dangerous, difficult work. Our agents and officers went into harm’s way to save lives in Palm Beach County and across South Florida. Because of their courage and professionalism, 46 defendants, 94 firearms, and kilograms of deadly narcotics are now off the street.”

Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said targeted enforcement efforts have helped reduce violent crime in communities where similar operations have taken place.

“Operation Hurricane is the latest success: over two months of focused enforcement by ATF and its partners removed nearly 100 illegal firearms from communities, along with significant quantities of illegal drugs and controlled substances,” McDonald said.

ATF Director Rob Cekada said the operation focused on individuals believed to pose significant threats to public safety, including members of violent gangs, criminal organizations and firearms trafficking networks.

“ATF-led surge operations such as Operation Hurricane in South Florida support the White House’s violent crime strategy and the Homeland Security Task Force by focusing our investigative resources on known members of violent gangs, transnational criminal organizations, cartels and other prolific offenders,” Cekada said.

DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley said removing weapons and drugs from circulation will help create safer communities.

“These criminals posed a serious threat to the well-being of Palm Beach County residents,” Aley said.

West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo also highlighted the importance of collaboration between agencies.

“This case demonstrates what is possible when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared commitment to protecting our community,” Araujo said. “Strong partnerships, open communication, and coordinated efforts were essential to advancing this investigation and bringing those responsible to justice.”

Federal officials said Operation Hurricane reflects a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to target repeat violent offenders and disrupt criminal networks throughout South Florida.