The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a major crime crackdown after charging 35 people in West Virginia in connection with narcotics and firearms offences, while also launching a wider nationwide initiative aimed at targeting violent crime across the United States. The action forms part of Operation Turf War, a year-long investigation, and Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a fresh national enforcement campaign that will continue through September 20.
Operation Turf War Targets West Virginia Network
According to the FBI, Operation Turf War was launched in early 2025 by FBI Pittsburgh and FBI Baltimore in coordination with the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force in West Virginia. The investigation led to charges against 35 individuals allegedly linked to narcotics and firearms offences.
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Federal officials said the operation resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms, narcotics and criminal proceeds allegedly connected to violent criminal activity. FBI Director Kash Patel described the action as a major example of coordination between federal and local agencies, with support from law enforcement units including SWAT teams from Martinsburg and Jefferson County, along with Homeland Security Investigations.
Nationwide Summer Heat Campaign Announced
Alongside the West Virginia operation, the FBI announced Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a nationwide campaign aimed at combating violent crime through coordinated action with state and local law enforcement agencies. The initiative is expected to run through September 20 and will focus on identifying and disrupting violent criminals across the country.
The new campaign builds on last year’s Operation Summer Heat, which the bureau said resulted in more than 8,600 arrests, nearly 7,750 searches, seizure of 2,280 firearms and recovery of more than 44,560 kilograms of cocaine. Officials said this year’s campaign will be conducted on a larger scale.
Federal and Local Coordination Under Focus
The FBI said the West Virginia operation demonstrated the importance of close coordination between federal investigators and local law enforcement agencies. Officials indicated that the same enforcement model would now be replicated nationwide under Operation Summer Heat 2.0.
The announcement comes amid continued concern over violent crime, drug trafficking and illegal firearms networks in several parts of the United States. Federal authorities said the expanded campaign will focus on sustained enforcement through the summer months, with further action expected as investigations continue.
