Operation D.I.R.E.C.T. Pressure: A Collaborative Effort Targets Violent Crime in Columbus, GA, Leading to Arrests, Firearm Seizures, and Drug Busts
The results from a months-long operation with the Columbus Police Department (CPD), in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia are in.
Operation D.I.R.E.C.T. Pressure—which stands for Data Initiated Response to Elevated Crime Trends—- ran from August 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, and targeted violent crime hotspots using ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) in Columbus, GA, resulting in significant arrests, firearm seizures, and drug busts.
Image: Columbus Police Department
Image: Columbus Police Department
Operation D.I.R.E.C.T. Pressure was launched in response to rising violent crime trends in Columbus, particularly in the neighborhoods of East Wynnton, North Highlands, and Baker Plaza, police said.
Image: Columbus Police Department
During the operation, 28 firearms, including 2 Glock switches, one short-barrel shotgun, and 2 suspected suppressors were seized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, along with 2,239 rounds of ammunition and one set of body armor. 21 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, were seized by Columbus Police Department.
Image: Columbus Police Department
Image: Columbus Police Department
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms seized 7.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 320 grams of marijuana, 4 grams of cocaine, 398 grams of fentanyl. The Columbus Police Department seized 1,408.6 grams of marijuana, 105.9 grams of methamphetamine, 43.1 grams of fentanyl, 14.9 grams of cocaine, 0.2 grams of heroin, 137.5 grams of ecstasy, and 71 grams of psilocybin.
Image: Columbus Police Department
65 people were arrested on 180 charges and three search warrants were conducted.
Image: Columbus Police Department
Image: Columbus Police Department
CPD and ATF conducted extensive data analysis utilizing NIBIN beginning in May 2024 to identify crime hotspots based on firearms-related incidents.
Key statistics from January 1, 2023, to May 22, 2024, included:
• 60 murders
• 513 shots fired calls
• 3,876 shootings/aggravated assaults
• 170 arrests of felons in possession of firearms
• 1,206 firearms recovered and traced
Chief Stoney Mathis, with the Columbus Police Department, said:
This operation represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in Columbus. By targeting high-crime areas, we have removed dangerous criminals, illegal firearms, and drugs from our streets, making Columbus a safer place for everyone.
“The Columbus Police Department remains committed to keeping the community safe through proactive policing, strategic enforcement, and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies,” police said. “The success of Operation D.I.R.E.C.T. Pressure would not have been possible without the invaluable partnership of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and the District Attorney’s Office. Through continued collaboration and dedication, we will remain vigilant in our mission to protect and serve the residents of Columbus.”
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