OPERATION FALCON NETS 483 FIREARMS VIOLATORS
ATF, With More Than 60 Agents, Was Second Largest Federal Partner

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Justice today announced the successful completion of Operation FALCON, the largest fugitive-apprehension effort in U.S. history. Teams of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were among the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that joined the nationwide operation, which was coordinated by the U.S. Marshals Service.

More than 60 ATF agents on 41 separate task forces, the most of any federal partner aside from the Marshals Service, participated in Operation FALCON. The effort netted more than 10,300 wanted felons, including 483 for firearms violations. Nationwide, 243 firearms were seized. In addition to taking fugitives into custody, numerous arrests have led to new ATF investigations.

“Operation FALCON has been a great success for law enforcement everywhere,” said ATF Director Carl J. Truscott. “These arrests will help reduce crime in communities nationwide. By taking criminals, guns and drugs off the street, we create safer communities for everyone.”

Fugitives whose names were placed on Operation FALCON arrest lists were sought by United States Attorneys, courts at every level of government, as well as individuals sought by domestic investigative offices, according to the Marshals Service.

Operation FALCON focused on gang-related crimes, homicides, sexual assaults, kidnappings, major drug dealers, unregistered sex offenses, crimes against children and the elderly, and weapons violations.

Operation FALCON stands for “Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally.” The one-week operation began April 4. It concluded April 10 and coincides with the start of “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” which is sponsored by the Department of Justice.

Click to read the Department of Justice press release on Operation Falcon.

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