47 suspects charged in gang raid, large amounts of drugs found, Gwinnett County deputies say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – After a months-long investigation, 47 suspects have been charged in connection with alleged gang activities, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) announced Wednesday.

The suspects are accused of being involved in the Sureños gang. Their multiple charges range from drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons to criminal street gang activities and extortion, deputies said.

The investigation began in August of last year when the sheriff’s office’s special investigations unit discovered the gang was allegedly trafficking firearms and narcotics. Through a combination of surveillance, sting operations, interrogations and more, investigators say they discovered the group also had ties to Mexican drug cartels.

During the operation, police seized several goods, including:

• More than $310,000
• 14 guns
• More than 300 fentanyl pills
• 194.12 kilograms (approximately 428 pounds) of methamphetamine
• 46.8 kilos of cocaine (approximately 103 pounds) of cocaine
• 6.79 kilograms of marijuana (approximately 15 pounds) of marijuana
• Multiple vehicles suspected of being used to commit crimes

Seventeen local and state law enforcement agencies worked with GSCO during the investigation, agents said.

“This case exemplifies the grave danger that criminal street gangs pose to our communities. Today, we are safer thanks to the outstanding work of the GCSO and our partner agencies,” John Melvin, chief assistant to the Gwinnett County District Attorney, said in a statement. “Now, this office will take on the daunting task of ensuring these defendants remain off the streets and are held accountable for their actions.”

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.