(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department is cracking down on the upsurge in gun violence.  Two arrests this week resulted from efforts.

According to police, 35 year old Darwin Van, Jr. and 28 year old Dennis Birts are being held without bond.  Police say the men were in a vehicle stopped Monday night in the area of

Carroll Ave. and Springland Avenue for traffic violations.  Synthetic marijuana and a handgun were allegedly confiscated.  At least one of those suspects has a prior criminal record.

Police say the crackdown is tied to a federally funded program specializing in getting major offenders off the streets.