Drugs, weapons seized in massive gang sweep

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A nine-county undercover sweep targeting gangs and violent offenders ended with 72 arrests and dozens of weapons off the streets.

Over fifty law enforcement agencies from across Central Florida made surprise face visits to convicted gang members who were out on probation, along with violent felons. They walked through each of their homes to ensure they were complying with the conditions of their release.

Search warrants were severed at many of the homes investigators visited. They searched for any evidence of continued gang activity or continued contact with gang associates.

This sweep spanned Brevard, Lake, Indian River, Marion, Orange, Osceola, St.Lucie, and Seminole counties. Lt. James Clark with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office tells FOX 35 that sweep didn't end with the arrests.

"The people that we've arrested, we're now looking into who their known associates are. Weapons we've taken in ... cross examining those in data bases. We do a lot more than catch them violating conditions of release, we're looking to see if during release you've been committing other crimes."

The operation resulted in the seizure of 84 weapons, assorted types of narcotics (1.76oz cocaine, 67.5 oz marijuana, 235 pills Xanax, 37 Oxycontin pills, 128 pills Oxycodone, 32 pills of Soma), assorted drug paraphernalia, and $5,409 in cash.