FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey took center stage this week following the conclusion of “Operation VIPER,” a two-week federal initiative targeting violent crime across the St. Louis region that resulted in 91 arrests, the seizure of 36 firearms, and the recovery of roughly $310,000 in cash.

The operation, conducted from April 20 through May 1, involved coordination between the FBI and local law enforcement agencies operating in St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County. Federal officials said the effort focused on violent crime reduction, fugitive apprehension, and removing armed offenders from the streets ahead of the summer months.

According to the FBI, those arrested included state fugitives as well as individuals tied to FBI and Department of Homeland Security investigations. Six individuals taken into custody are currently pending deportation proceedings.

In addition to the firearms and cash seized, authorities recovered approximately 600 grams of cocaine, one kilogram of methamphetamine, and one kilogram of fentanyl during the operation. Three vehicles were also confiscated.

Bailey, the former Missouri attorney general who now serves as co-deputy director of the FBI, framed the operation as part of broader efforts to continue reducing violent crime in the St. Louis region.

“By getting the very worst of the worst offenders off the street in the spring, we hope to maintain the forward progress that we’ve enjoyed in the fight against violent crime,” Bailey said during a Tuesday press conference announcing the results of the operation.

Federal officials said FBI agents worked alongside the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team throughout the operation. Authorities highlighted several arrests involving suspects accused of armed carjacking, first-degree assault, and armed robbery in north St. Louis.

Senator Eric Schmitt also appeared at the press conference, describing the operation as part of a broader effort to improve public safety and strengthen the region’s economic outlook.

“This is a commitment to making this area safer for a variety of reasons,” Schmitt said. “For the people who live here, for the reputation of this great American city, and for the economic prosperity that can follow from this.”

Following the announcement, Mike Kehoe praised the operation and highlighted the coordination between federal, state, and local authorities.

“This is what happens when federal, state, and local law enforcement partners have the resources to crack down on violent crime,” Kehoe wrote on social media. “Appreciate the efforts of FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and Sen. Eric Schmitt in working to support the men and women of the SLMPD with historic investments into FBI St. Louis.”

The FBI’s St. Louis field office also described Operation VIPER as a coordinated effort made possible through increased federal resources directed toward the region.

The operation marks another high-profile appearance for Bailey since taking on his federal law enforcement role, as he has increasingly become one of the public-facing figures tied to the FBI’s violent crime initiatives in Missouri.