Several arrests in 'Operation Restoration'

The so-called operation was a series of raids conducted throughout the city both Monday and Tuesday.

Police worked with several neighboring agencies in conducting these raids, said police commissioner Daniel Derenda.

"We executed 54 search warrants throughout the city, as the mayor pointed out on the map. The results were 44 arrests.  We have several more arrests pending," Derenda said during Wednesday afternoon's news conference at police headquarters.

Officers also recovered $13,000 in cash, confiscated six guns, and seized various drugs, including heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and other pills.

The search warrants were based on calls to the city's 3-1-1 Call and Resolution Center,  the confidential tip line, and citizen complaints.

Buffalo Narcotics, Buffalo SWAT, and Buffalo K-9 also participated in Operation Restoration. 

Other local agencies that assisted the Buffalo police included the Erie County Sheriff's Department, New York State Police, U.S. Marshals, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI Task Force, Niagara County Sheriff's Department, State parole and probation, along with police from Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, Lewiston, Town of Tonawanda, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.