EDENTON, N.C. (WITN) – A new program focused on tackling crime is being celebrated for its success.

The U.S. attorney of the Eastern North Carolina District held a press conference today to commend law enforcement officials on a job well done.

Law enforcement agencies gathered Tuesday to talk about the progress that has been made to keep violent criminals off the street.

“To make life in this region safer, fairer, and more free for working people who deserve to live in a community where they feel and know that they are safe,” said U.S. attorney Michael Easley Jr.

The arrests come after the formation eight months ago of the Violent Crime Apprehension Program or VCAP.

“We got together this year after a rash of shootings over the course of the last year to talk about violent crime in this region and to talk about drug trafficking in this region,” said Easley.

The group, which is a combination of different law enforcement agencies, meets every month. By working together, they’ve arrested 21 people on federal charges- with a total of 34 charges in northeastern North Carolina.

Janice Cole is a former US Attorney who helped start VCAP.

“As a member of the community, I just couldn’t tolerate it. So often we allow these things to become the norm. We just think that’s what happens, and there’s nothing we can do about it. I couldn’t accept that,” said Cole.

Thanks to those arrests, 26 guns were seized, including five machine guns, along with 240 grams of fentanyl, which is enough for 120,000 potentially deadly doses.

Easley says the group identified 47 people who are contributing to violent crime, meaning the work isn’t over. “If you’re involved in drug trafficking and guns in this community, it might be you. We are not gonna stop until everybody on that list has met justice.”

But for now, they will continue to celebrate their achievements so far.

With VCAP, many state and federal agencies are also working with local law enforcement, including the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement division, NCBI, the US Marshals Service, and Homeland Security investigations.