FBI Columbia Summer Heat 2.0 numbers surpass 2025 results

LEXINGTON — FBI Columbia announced this week the successful conclusion of Operation Summer Heat 2.0, an FBI-led nationwide initiative to crush violent crime. 

The FBI Columbia Field Office and its law enforcement partners executed 80 arrests and carried out 43 significant narcotics seizures, disrupting the distribution of more than 16 kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and methamphetamine. They also recovered 40 firearms, removing dangerous weapons from violent individuals. Compared to last year, arrests surged by 156% and firearm seizures increased by 266%.

Summer Heat 2.0 launched in June and ran through September. During the three-month period, the FBI, along with law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level, carried out enhanced investigative activities that targeted violent crime across South Carolina. The FBI surged resources that helped dismantle gangs, removed dangerous drugs and weapons from the streets, and saved children from potential predators.  

 “This FBI continues to prioritize crushing violent crime by dedicating the resources and personnel to communities affected most by dangerous criminals,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla. “Working hand-in-glove with our law enforcement partners is critical to tackling violent crime. We’re grateful for the partnerships that made Summer Heat 2.0 a success, and we all remain committed to ensuring South Carolina neighborhoods are safe from those who seek to plague them with poisonous drugs and violence.”

“We’re proud to partner with the FBI in their commitment to combat violent crime and make South Carolina safer,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’ll continue working with agencies across our state to investigate and prosecute violent criminals, drug traffickers and weapons dealers who seek to harm our communities.”

Operation Summer Heat 2.0 follows historic drops in crime across the U.S., according to the FBI’s 2025 UCR Summary of Reported Crimes in the Nation.