47 charged following Dayton’s ‘Fly City’ operation to combat drug trafficking and gun violence

Federal authorities announced Monday that they’re seeking information leading to the arrests of four fugitives who remain at large following an eight-week Homeland Security Task Force operation.

“Operation Fly City,” which began April 27, is part of a broader nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking and gun violence and resulted in federal charges against 47 Dayton area individuals, 43 of which are now in custody.

47 defendants charged as part of ‘Operation Fly City’ Homeland Security Task Force enforcement operationhttps://t.co/XmixKdrHQn pic.twitter.com/VNuKPpi57M

— US Attorney Southern District of Ohio (@SDOHnews) June 22, 2026

“The goal of this operation was simple: to get guns and drugs off the street and out of the hands of the most violent and habitual offenders,” U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II said in a release. “Law enforcement at all levels took that mission seriously and I thank them for making our streets safer.”

During the operation, agents seized 176 firearms, along with machinegun conversion devices and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

“The arrests and seizures announced today are the result of extensive investigative efforts focused on identifying those responsible for drug trafficking, illegal firearms offenses, and other criminal activity,” Sheriff Rob Streck said in a release. “This operation highlights the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to addressing the criminal activity that affects our communities.”

The operation falls under the broader Homeland Security Task Force initiative, established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF represents a whole-of-government partnership focused on dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and related networks fueling violence across the United States.

“I’m proud of the women and men of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division and all they accomplished in such a short period of time,” Jorge A. Rosendo, special agent in charge of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division, said in a release. “Their dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Dayton, Ohio were truly remarkable.”

Charges against the defendants include conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl, felon-in-possession of firearms, trafficking in firearms, and related offenses. Several face enhancements for using or carrying firearms during drug crimes or possessing machine guns.

Authorities say the operation underscores the HSTF’s emphasis on interagency collaboration to address the full spectrum of crimes tied to organized drug and gun violence harming Ohio communities.

“Operation Fly City is a testament to the strength of the Homeland Security Task Force and HSI’s unwavering commitment to making our communities safer,” HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey said in a release. “By working together with our federal, state, and local partners, we were able to disrupt dangerous criminal activity and remove illegal firearms and narcotics from the streets of Dayton.”

The charges, which were brought via 20 federal indictments and three federal criminal complaints in Dayton over the past few weeks, have so-far resulted in the arrests of forty-three individuals, now awaiting trial.

However, authorities say that four fugitives still remain at large, Eucelf Taste Sr., Eucelf Taste Jr., Isaiah Chancellor, and Anthony Scott.  While the ATF is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of Eucelf Sr. and Jr, the men are considered armed and dangerous.

“This operation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal,” Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson said in a release. “By targeting individuals responsible for violent crime, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking, we are making our neighborhoods safer.”

Anyone who recognizes the men or have any information on their whereabouts should call (888) ATF-TIPS, or email tips. However, authorities are asking the public to not engage with them.