EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Illinois State Police arrested 34 people earlier this week during a three-day operation in East St. Louis and neighboring communities.

ISP described the operation as a “violent crime suppression” effort from Nov. 18-20 in St. Clair and Madison counties.

ISP reports that the operation “utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups.”

Along with the 34 arrests, the operation led to 79 criminal charges, including 46 that were classified as felonies and 19 that were firearm-related offenses. Authorities also seized 177.7 grams of controlled substances and recovered three stolen vehicles.

ISP says there were notable arrests on each day of the operation.

On Monday, one driver who ISP attempted to pull over struck an ISP squad car. Investigators later learned the suspect’s vehicle was stolen and recovered a firearm.

On Tuesday, ISP searched a vehicle after a traffic stop and discovered a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, suspected oxycodone, and over 400 grams of cannabis.

Other arrests stemmed from stolen firearms, stolen vehicles and illegal drug possession.

ISP says around 40 ISP officers from around the state helped with the operation.