The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has wrapped up a week-long Targeted Crime Suppression operation that has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures. Codenamed 'Operation Consequences,' the enforcement sweep spanned from March 10 through March 16, according to a report shared by the Sheriff’s Department on Monday.

Investigators from the Gangs/Narcotics Division teamed up with patrol deputies and served search warrants across Victorville, San Bernardino, and Colton, the department reported. These efforts led to the seizure of three firearms, including a ghost gun and an assortment of illegal narcotics. The operation, which focused on gang members and individuals banned from firearm possession, culminated in 15 felony arrests and 18 misdemeanor arrests.

The initiative leans on the recently passed Proposition 36, titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” This piece of legislation came into effect on December 18, 2024, and it not only enhances sentencing for certain offenses but also introduces new penal codes. Notably, it addresses some of the perceived shortcomings of the older Proposition 47 by stipulating elevated consequences for crimes connected to homelessness, drug addiction, and theft. Proposition 36 was applied in five of the arrests made during the operation.

With additional funding authorized by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, this operation is part of a larger county-wide response aimed at improving community quality-of-life issues. In an attempt to reduce violent crime and take down gangs, the operation marshaled resources from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, per the department's official release.