State Police ‘Operation Maximum Effort’ Produces Arrests, Seizures

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania State Police made 22 criminal arrests, took 11 fugitives into custody, and recovered $10,863 worth of stolen property and cash during a three-day crackdown, May 29-31.

Troopers seized $9,663 in cash, 39 grams and 611 packets of heroin, 27 pounds of cocaine, 23 pounds of marijuana, 90 assorted pills and four fake identifications. They also seized one vehicle and detained two illegal aliens.

State police made 18 arrests for driving under the influence and issued 653 citations for speeding, 103 for seat belt violations, 25 for failure to use child safety seats, and 487 for other traffic law violations.

Troopers were placed on major highways across the state as part of the operation. Each trooper received training through Operation SHIELD, which teaches officers how to identify potential signs of criminal activity after a vehicle has been stopped for any routine violation, such as speeding. State police canine handlers and their drug-sniffing dogs were assigned to each team.