EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Over 250 arrests, 1,000 traffic stops, and 800 consensual contacts with residents were made in this year’s Operation Not in Vain in Las Cruces, according to police.
The months-long crime operation, which ran from April 28 to August 29, is in memory of fallen Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez, who was killed Feb. 11, 2024, in the line of duty.
“The New Mexico State Police is proud to have assisted in Operation Not in Vain alongside our local and federal partners,” NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said. “This effort not only honors the memory of Officer Jonah Hernandez but also demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies unite for a common goal: protecting our communities.”
The operation concluded with the following numbers, according to LCPD:
- 120 felony arrests
- 134 misdemeanor arrests
- 31 criminal citations
- 333 traffic citations
- 1,038 traffic stops
- 50 trespass warnings
- 24 warrants executed
- 19 firearms seized or recovered
- 14 stolen vehicles recovered
- 16 seizures of narcotics
- 182 reports taken
- 819 contacts with residents
- 264 contacts with businesses
These results are in addition to the arrests, citations, and enforcement efforts made by law enforcement personnel during regular shifts with their respective agencies, according to LCPD.
The operation also accounted for the seizure of 2,439 fentanyl pills, 53.6 grams in variant forms of fentanyl, 75.9 grams of methamphetamine, and measurable amounts of cocaine and heroin.
Through July, LCPD has recorded an overall 12 percent reduction in crime this year.
“We’re pleased with the results of this operation and encouraged by the cooperation we received from our local and federal law enforcement partners,” LCPD Chief Jeremy Story said. “We could not have achieved these results without their help.”
The operation utilized law enforcement personnel and resources from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State University Police, Metro Narcotics, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with several federal agencies.
However, LCPD is the lead agency in the operation.
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