Law enforcement agencies conducted a large-scale takedown across the San Joaquin Valley on May 28, serving 43 search warrants as part of an undercover investigation known as “Operation Hands Down,” according to a June 1 statement from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
The two-month operation focused on Mexican Mafia and Sureño gang members suspected of crimes including homicides, firearms trafficking, narcotics trafficking, shootings, robberies, assaults, sex offenses against minors, and organized violence within custodial facilities. Authorities reported that the operation resulted in 69 arrests and the seizure of 73 guns along with high-capacity magazines and ammunition. Officers also confiscated approximately 55 pounds of methamphetamine, three pounds of cocaine, a small amount of fentanyl powder, and nearly $165,000 believed to be proceeds from narcotics trafficking and firearms sales.
Officials said these arrests are expected to have an immediate impact on reducing violence throughout the Central Valley. “By disrupting these criminal organizations, we are confident our hard work will deliver a sense of peace to residents who deserve to feel safe in their communities,” the statement read.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office credited more than 500 law enforcement personnel for their involvement in Operation Hands Down. Specialized units participating included Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), Air Support Unit, K-9 Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Incident Management Team (IMT), Dispatch Unit, Crime Analyst Unit, and correctional officers from Fresno County Jail.
Participating agencies included local police departments such as Fresno Police Department and Clovis Police Department; state entities like California Highway Patrol; federal agencies including Homeland Security Investigations; and task forces such as Tulare County Sheriff’s Regional Gun Violence Enforcement Team, among others. The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information relevant to this case to contact either the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office or Valley Crime Stoppers.
