FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) – Police statistics show that Fort Wayne police have conducted more gun raids this year than last year.

Sgt. Gary J. Hensler Jr. tells The Journal Gazette that the department’s Gang and Violent Crimes Unit has executed 19 raids and seized 68 guns so far this year. He says the unit completed 17 raids and acquired 130 guns last year.

Hensler says the group aims to stop gun violence in the city by removing firearms from known violent offenders.

Capt. Kevin Hunter is head of the police department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit. He says the two units began working together in 2014 and pooled their resources.

Hensler says one of the most recent raids occurred last week at two apartments. Officers confiscated 1 kilogram (2 pounds) of marijuana, more than $11,000 in cash and several guns.