San Juan, PR – The U.S. Marshals Service District of Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force, in coordination with the Puerto Rico Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Unit, state and local law enforcement agencies, today conducted Operation “North Storm” within the Virgilio Dávila and Las Gardenias Public Housing Projects (PHPs) in the Bayamón area.

The operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and illegal firearm trafficking impacting communities throughout Puerto Rico.

As a result of this initiative, five dangerous federal fugitives wanted for narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms violations were apprehended. The individuals are part of a violent drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operates in the PHPs. In September 2025 a federal grand jury returned a multiple-count indictment for this organization. The charges were for drug trafficking and possession of illegal firearms including machine guns. 

During today’s operation, authorities seized multiple illegal firearms, cash proceeds derived from the sale of controlled substances, and a significant quantity of narcotics, including fentanyl.

“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to work as one team to keep our communities safe and restore peace of mind to our citizens,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico.

“This operation demonstrates the strength of the partnership between the United States Marshals Service, the Puerto Rico Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners. When agencies work together, we send a clear message: we will not allow violent criminals to use our communities as safe havens for criminal activity.”

U.S. Marshal Ocasio-Ibarra added that the goal of these initiatives is to continue strengthening public safety through strategic and targeted enforcement operations focused on identifying and apprehending violent offenders, while maintaining an active, preventive, and coordinated law enforcement presence in communities impacted by crime.

The U.S. Marshals Service reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and all law enforcement partners to protect public safety and ensure that Puerto Rico is not a safe haven for violent criminals.