Feds Arrest 31 in Major South Florida Gun and Drug Bust — Dozens of Felons, Deadly Fentanyl Pills Seized

Miami, FL — Federal authorities announced the arrest of 31 people in South Florida this week in a sweeping operation targeting violent felons, illegal guns, and deadly drugs. Most of those taken into custody were convicted criminals — and one is still on the run.

The joint operation, dubbed “Operation Showdown,” was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in partnership with local police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Over the course of several weeks, agents seized 80 firearms, including machine guns, pistols, and 10 guns that had been reported stolen. Seven of the weapons were linked to previous crimes — including a homicide.

Authorities also recovered six kilograms of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often mixed with or disguised as prescription painkillers. Some of the seized pills were illegally pressed to look like oxycodone but were actually laced with lethal doses of fentanyl.

“These pills were being sold on the street as something safe, but they could kill someone instantly,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne. “One of the undercover agents was even warned by a suspect to be careful — that the stuff was strong enough to kill.”

Also found during the raids were methamphetamine, crack cocaine, ‘pink cocaine’ (2C), and flakka, a synthetic stimulant known for causing extreme hallucinations and aggression.

Out of the 31 arrested, 27 were previously convicted felons, many with histories involving violent crime or weapons charges. Officials say these individuals were actively involved in trafficking both firearms and narcotics across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

One suspect, Jonathan Eric Brown Jr., remains at large. Authorities have issued a public warning, stating that he is armed and dangerous.

This operation was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative and falls under a broader national push by federal prosecutors to disrupt violent criminal networks.

“This is about taking back our communities from individuals who bring violence and poison to our neighborhoods,” O’Byrne said.

Officials say the investigation is still ongoing and more arrests could follow.