FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A new multi-agency effort to crack down on violent crime in St. Lucie County is already showing results after its first day.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that its investigators, along with the Fort Pierce Police Department, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, teamed up for “Operation Summer Heat,” targeting gang activity, illegal guns, and drug crimes.

Deputies said they made their first arrests during a traffic stop in Fort Pierce. Artevin Avonte Joseph, 20, was charged after deputies found about 85 grams of marijuana.

{p}Authorities say a new crime suppression effort in St. Lucie County quickly led to arrests, illegal guns taken off the street and a drug seizure on day one. (SLCSO) {/p}

Authorities say a new crime suppression effort in St. Lucie County quickly led to arrests, illegal guns taken off the street and a drug seizure on day one. (SLCSO)

Jeremiah Jerome Joseph, 25, was arrested on weapons charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Investigators said the recovered Glock .45 handgun had an illegal “switch” that allows it to fire like a machine gun.

{p}Law enforcement agencies teamed up for Operation Summer Heat, which produced arrests, seized drugs and removed several illegal firearms from the community in its first day. (SLCSO) {/p}

Law enforcement agencies teamed up for Operation Summer Heat, which produced arrests, seized drugs and removed several illegal firearms from the community in its first day. (SLCSO)

In another stop, Alphonzo Hurst, 26, of Port St. Lucie, was arrested on outstanding warrants for battery and trespassing.

Operation Summer Heat resulted in multiple arrests, the recovery of three firearms and the seizure of 85 grams of marijuana during its opening day in Fort Pierce. (SLCSO)

Operation Summer Heat resulted in multiple arrests, the recovery of three firearms and the seizure of 85 grams of marijuana during its opening day in Fort Pierce. (SLCSO)

Later in the day, detectives chased down a 16-year-old who ran while carrying a handgun. Deputies said the teen was taken into custody, and a .357 caliber firearm was recovered.

As the investigation continued in that area, officers also found an AR-15-style pistol with altered serial numbers at a nearby gathering spot.

See also: ‘Paper dope’ pipeline: 25+ overdoses tied to alleged staff-inmate drug ring at PBC jail

In total, the first day of “Operation Summer Heat” resulted in three adult arrests, one juvenile arrest, three firearms recovered, and 85 grams of marijuana seized.

Officials say the operation will continue throughout the summer as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal weapons and reduce crime in the community.