To combat violent crime during the 2023 South by Southwest festival, the Austin Police Department (APD) launched a Violent Crimes Initiative. This operation, a collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies, ran concurrently with SXSW from March 8th through March 18th.
APD seized a total of 61 firearms and made 131 arrests. During this initiative, officers were able to seize the following narcotics:
• 3.5 Kg of cocaine/crack cocaine
• 26.6 Kg of methamphetamine
• 41.38 g of fentanyl/heroin
• 98 lbs. of marijuana
If you have information on individuals or groups of individuals who have illegal firearms, are committing acts of violence, or other crimes involving guns and drugs, please contact the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
