INDIANAPOLIS -- As the end of 2024 approaches, local and federal law enforcement are highlighting the success of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force as they fight to break the cycle of violence in central Indiana. According to Indianapolis Metro police, more than 270 firearms were taken off the streets by the task force in 2024 - 20 of which were equipped with machine gun conversion devices. This year, the ICGTF investigated over 150 leads which were generated from shots fired incidents, evidentiary firearm seizures and proactive criminal investigations. Detectives also confiscated 75,507 grams - approximately 168 lbs - of illegal narcotics, including almost 9,000 grams of Fentanyl, and almost $400,000 in US currency from proceeds of illegal activity was forfeited. Ultimately, 232 arrests were made, with 16 suspects charged federally for firearms and narcotics-related offenses. Police believe those numbers have helped drive down violent crime around central Indiana. "I think that what we're doing is making a difference," said IMPD Lt. Jered Hidlebaugh. "Our goal is to get illegal guns out of the hands of violent criminals who are committing violent crimes against our citizens." In fact, IMPD claims the task force contributed to a decrease in non-fatal shootings, homicides and other violent crimes compared to the year before. "Personally I think we're the tip of the spear when it comes to driving down violent crime by getting illegal firearms off the streets of Indianapolis and the surrounding communities," said Hidlebaugh. "We're all in this together," said Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart. Because violent crime isn't confined to Indianapolis, the multi-agency task force involves members of the ATF, as well as police from Fishers, Avon, Beech Grove, Lawrence and Zionsville. Gebhart said he believes the task force has made his community safer. "Since 2019, 489 illegal firearms have come off our streets and 64 percent come back to violent crimes in Indianapolis. So we should be involved in this," said Gebhart. "We're dedicating a lot of resources, but we're doing it because we believe the return on investment is worth the effort. We are seeing crime numbers come down," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. Because police insist a small number of offenders cause a large percentage of violence, the goal of the task force is to target repeat violent suspects. "We're fishing with a spear so speak. We're making sure we're targeting the right people because they're driving the violence," said Nokes. In addition to the numbers this year, since the task force began in July 2021, more than 1,300 illegal crime guns have been taken off the streets.