ROANOKE, Va. –
Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Counterdrug Task Force recently supported a multi-agency law enforcement initiative resulting in arrests and drug and weapon seizures in the Roanoke, Virginia, area.
The operation, named Combined Resolve, was a collaboration of multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, resulted in more than 150 arrests from May 1 - 31, 2026. More than half of the arrests involved violent crimes, according to a release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia.
Three CDTF Soldiers supported the operation, working with partner agencies and providing analytical support, according to Maj. Rachel Bowen, the task force’s commander.
“The Soldiers served as the primary analytical support throughout the duration of the operation, working closely with law enforcement partners to support operational decision-making,” said Bowen. “Their efforts exemplify the value of the VANG CDTF’s unique support capabilities and enduring partnerships across the commonwealth and beyond.”
More than 20 illegal firearms were seized, and a significant amount of illegal drugs were taken off of the streets, including more that $1 million-worth of methamphetamines, $800,000-worth of cocaine and 352 grams of fentanyl. According to operation leaders, factoring a potentially lethal dose of two milligrams, the amount of fentanyl seized could be lethal to more than 173,000 people.
“Operation Combined Resolve resulted in the arrest of over 300 individuals and the capture of 150 fugitives wanted for offenses including assault and battery on law enforcement, carjacking, robbery, aggravated malicious wounding, assault by mob, and crimes against children,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “The US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will continue to maximize strategic law enforcement partnerships through Project Safe Neighborhoods to enhance cooperation and information sharing that ensures a sure and rapid response to violent crime and other threats to our citizens.”
Working side-by-side with law enforcement from the local to federal level on this kind of high-profile operation gave the task force a chance to showcase their skills and contributions to the safety of the commonwealth.
“While our mission to provide support is behind the scenes, it is gratifying to see the extraordinary work our Virginia National Guard members, both Army and Air, perform every day, recognized on such a significant stage,” said Bowen. “Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving our communities are what make these possible. I am immensely proud of the CDTF members and our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to protect our citizens.”
The Counterdrug team members who supported the operation also participated in a similar operation in the Danville area in late 2025, called Operation Washout. According to a release, that operation saw law enforcement seize significant amounts of weapons and illegal drugs, and netted 96 arrests, including subjects wanted for violent crimes including homicide.
“Their dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment enabled our law enforcement partners to make informed decisions and contributed directly to the success of the mission,” Bowen said. “Their efforts demonstrate the tremendous value the CDTF professionals bring to complex operations.”
In addition to providing analytical support to law enforcement, the CDTF also provides ground and aerial reconnaissance and observation capabilities, and conducts drug demand reduction outreach through community engagements and education programs, Bowen said.
“Working alongside local, state, and federal partners, our mission is to help detect, disrupt, and interdict illegal drug trafficking while also supporting prevention efforts aimed at reducing drug use and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.”
Read more about Combined Resolve at https://vngpao.info/yckdacn2.
Read more about the Counterdrug Task Force at https://vngpao.info/52zbppf9.