Fairfax County police arrested 101 suspects following an undercover operation that began earlier this year, News4’s Pat Collins reported.
The joint effort targeted quality of life crimes – the type of crimes that make residents look over their shoulders when out walking at night, such as iPod thefts. It focused on the Richmond Highway area of Fairfax County – including Hybla Valley and Mount Vernon – and the Gar Field area of Prince William County, Collins reported. Police and crime analysts identified those areas as problematic.
Police used tactics usually reserved for big-time criminals, Collins said.
The initial six-month operation was extended as more targets were identified.
Police seized 23 guns, 10 pounds of cocaine, 30 pounds of marijuana, prescription drugs, two bullet-proof vests and $560,000 in illegally obtained cash and recovered stolen property including GPS units, iPods, gift cards, tools and jewelry, law enforcement officials said.
The charges, a total of 168, range from possession of stolen property to attempted murder-for-hire.
More than 75 police officers from Fairfax County, Prince William County and Virginia State Police participated in the operation.