EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police said Sunday, June 14, 2026, that officers arrested 24 people and filed 40 criminal charges during a violent crime suppression detail conducted June 11-12, 2026, in St. Clair and Madison counties, with a focus on East St. Louis and nearby Metro East communities.

The operation, announced in a June 14, 2026, release, targeted what state police described as known high-crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups. Illinois State Police said the detail used intelligence and technology to direct enforcement efforts in the Metro East.

According to state police, the operation resulted in 26 felony charges, nine firearm-related charges, and the seizure or recovery of eight firearms. Officers also seized 287.5 grams of cannabis and 198.5 grams of controlled substances.

State police highlighted several arrests made during the detail.

On June 11, 2026, a trooper patrolling near 34th and State Street in East St. Louis observed an Illinois Vehicle Code violation and conducted a traffic stop, according to the release. During a probable cause search, the trooper recovered a loaded firearm and more than 100 grams of cannabis. Charges are pending.

Also on June 11, 2026, a trooper patrolling near Illinois 157 in Cahokia Heights observed a vehicle committing an Illinois Vehicle Code violation and conducted a traffic stop, state police said. During a probable cause search, the trooper recovered a loaded firearm, cannabis, and suspected crack cocaine. Charges are pending.

On June 12, 2026, troopers patrolling in Cahokia Heights observed a vehicle committing an Illinois Vehicle Code violation and conducted a traffic stop, according to state police. During a probable cause search, troopers recovered two loaded firearms and more than 100 grams of cannabis. Charges are pending.

Illinois State Police said officers from around the state assisted Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement South in the operation, including patrol Troops 3, 6 and 8, Fatal 4 South, the Zone 6 Firearms Investigations Unit, the Public Safety Enforcement Group, Crime Scene Services, SWAT and Air Operations. The Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois also provided support.

State police said they will continue using available resources, including air operations, technology, forensic services, investigators, increased patrols and information sharing, to combat violent crime.

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