Police Say More Illegal Guns Off The Streets In Suffolk County

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There has been a 17 percent jump in the number of illegal weapons taken off the streets in Suffolk County.

So far this year, police said 240 illegal guns were recovered compared to 201 at this time last year.

The weapons have been collected from gang members and drug dealers. The 15-person Firearm Suppression Team within the department, or FAST, is being credited for seizing the guns, Police Commissioner Tim Sini said.

"When we created the FAST team, the team wasn't about just making as many arrests as possible," he told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "It was, 'Lets reduce firearm violence,' so they're working on long-term investigation, they liaison with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives."

He said he is "very optimistic" they'll produce results that are long term.