Illinois State Police arrest 27 in Metro East crime suppression operation

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. – Illinois State Police made 27 arrests during a recent three-day crime suppression operation in the Metro East. Authorities also seized a large amount of weapons and drugs.

ISP conducted the operation from Oct. 1-3 in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and nearby communities.

According to ISP, in addition to the 27 arrests, the operation led to…

• 57 criminal charges (27 firearms-related, 41 felony charges)
• 12 firearms seized
• 115 grams of controlled substances seized
• Three stolen vehicles recovered

ISP says it utilized technology to target high-crime areas, violent offenders and structured criminal groups.

Investigators say a traffic stop led to ISP seizing a loaded “Ghost gun” during the first day of the operation. A separate traffic stop on the second day led to ISP seizing 46 grams of suspected fentanyl, a loaded handgun, and an additional loaded firearm magazine. A suspect in a different traffic stop was later found with a a loaded firearm, cannabis, and ecstasy.

“ISP will continue to use all available resources, including air operations, technology, forensic
services, investigators, increase patrols, and information sharing to combat violent crime,” said the agency via a news release.

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