FBI's Operation Viper Strikes: 65 Arrested, 21 Guns Seized in South Florida!

South Miami, Florida, USA - The streets of South Florida experienced a significant crackdown on violent crime in a recent operation led by the FBI. Dubbed „Operation Viper,“ this initiative saw the arrest of 65 individuals and the seizure of 21 firearms, including two fully automatic weapons modified to enhance their firing capacity. This operation spanned from mid-May to late June 2025 and stretched across key locations such as Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Fort Lauderdale, and Pembroke Pines, among others. As reported by WLRN, the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement proved crucial in targeting these suspected criminals.

This aggressive operation reflects the ongoing battle against escalating gun violence in the U.S., a concern addressed in the report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. From 1993 to 2023, trends indicate a troubling rise in firearm violence, with varied demographic impacts and injury types that highlight the pervasive nature of this issue. Understanding such data can give communities and law enforcement a clearer picture of where to focus their resources and efforts.

Collaboration and Coordination

The implementation of Operation Viper was a result of strategic planning that involved the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and police departments from multiple cities. The operation’s effectiveness hinged on a well-coordinated team of 35 officials, including FBI agents, who diligently tracked suspected criminals. According to NBC Miami, there were 60 local arrests alongside five federal arrests, displaying a robust effort to weed out dangerous individuals from the streets.

Fort Lauderdale’s Police Chief, William Schultz, noted that 16 arrests occurred within just three days in his jurisdiction, targeting suspects involved in serious offenses such as armed robbery and drug trafficking. Meanwhile, Miami’s Police Chief, Manuel Morales, emphasized that law enforcement’s dedication to identifying and capturing criminals remains steadfast. With police departments uniting for a common goal, there’s certainly something to be said for the potential long-term impact of such operations on community safety.

Addressing the Firearm Issue

The weapons seized during Operation Viper were alarming, particularly the discovery of „switches“—devices that transform semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms. Special Agent Peter Ganzert detailed how these illegal modifications can allow weapons to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute. This highlights a growing concern in relation to firearm safety amid rising violent crimes. The increasing presence of such modified weapons raises critical questions about how they feed into the broader patterns of violence illustrated in federal reports.

As Operation Viper continues, possibly shifting its focus to other cities across the country, the emphasis on tackling violent crime will remain a priority. It’s clear that local communities, bolstered by federal support, are taking significant steps to protect residents from violent offenders. And with firearm violence becoming even more prevalent, efforts like these are not just welcomed but necessary in the ongoing struggle for safety and security in our neighborhoods. For further insights on national patterns of firearm violence, you may check the detailed report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.