The FBI announced major progress in the fight against violent crime in Louisiana, providing results from Operation Summer Heat 2.0. The FBI partnered with more than two dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement between June 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, using intelligence-based investigations to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.

Statewide, 662 individuals were arrested on more than 1,000 state and federal charges, 315 firearms, and 207 kilograms of illegal narcotics including cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and methamphetamine were seized along with $325,853 in cash. Greater New Orleans Area: 532 individuals arrested, 224 firearms, $15,167 in cash, and 137.31 kilograms of various drugs were seized including 19.39 kilograms of cocaine, 99.26 kilograms of marijuana, and 17 kilograms of methamphetamine. Greater Baton Rouge Area: 95 individuals arrested, 76 firearms, $270,739 in cash, and 53.99 kilograms of various drugs were seized including 20.96 kilograms of cocaine, 1.73 kilograms of fentanyl, 24.55 kilograms of marijuana and 4.42 kilograms of methamphetamine. North Louisiana: 35 individuals arrested, 15 firearms, $39,947 in cash, and 15.81 kilograms of various drugs were seized including 2.18 kilograms of cocaine, 9.46 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 4.16 kilograms of marijuana.

Across the state, transnational drug trafficking organizations, neighborhood-based gangs, and individuals who victimized children were charged. Cases were made using proactive patrols, controlled buys, surveillance and intelligence. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) provided crucial funding for equipment under the Homeland Security Task Force Opioid Initiative while the FBI provided funding for critical overtime needed for the operation.

“This year, the FBI reported the largest year-to-year decrease in violent crime since we started collecting and reporting numbers in 1936,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp. “Communities are safer because of our ongoing partnerships and initiatives like Operation Summer Heat 2.0. Incarcerating a dangerous criminal for one night or even a few hours is 100% ineffective at maintaining public safety. However, putting them in prison for years, is a different story.”

SAC Tapp also credited changes made by current FBI leadership over the last 18 months for allowing the FBI to operate more efficiently and effectively in Louisiana. Those changes gave Louisiana leadership more latitude in focusing on violent crime, national security, and allowed for the deputation of nearly 200 law enforcement officers, giving them federal arrest powers.