An investigation into a major drug trafficking operation in the Twin Ports lead to the arrest of 24 people on Wednesday.

Duluth Police said the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, along with other agencies, have been targeting members and associates of the Black P Stone street gang, which is based in Harvey, Illinois.

On Wednesday, they executed 10 search warrants leading to 24 arrests, and the seizure of more than $28,000 in money, along with methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

Investigators said they first became aware of the problem in May of 2023. And since then, they’ve arrested a total of 48 people and seized 17 firearms.

WDIO was at the scene of one of the arrests in the Harbor Highlands neighborhood.

The Duluth Police Department would like to recognize the following agencies for their dedication and partnership in this operation:

• Duluth Police Department
• Superior Police Department
• St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office
• Carlton County Sheriff’s Office
• Hermantown Police Department
• Hibbing Police Department
• Minnesota National Guard Counter Drug Task Force
• Homeland Security Investigations
• St. Louis County Attorney’s Office
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Brooklyn Park Police Department
• Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco and Firearms Enforcement (BATFE)

At Duluth City Council On Thursday, Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa addressed misinformation that Wednesday’s operation was affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“The operation that was conducted had nothing to do with immigration. The Duluth Police Department enforces only state and local laws. We do not investigate federal immigration violations,” said Chief Mike Ceynowa. “The operation that was carried out yesterday had been an ongoing investigation over the last few years. It was unfortunate that it was executed on the same day as a tragic incident that occurred in Minneapolis.”