Fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, guns and gangs: Gwinnett County makes record-breaking drug bust

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office celebrated a major victory after charging 47 people in a drug trafficking operation.

Officers seized a record number of drugs and pills in the region.

“This is really important work, so I’m proud of the men and women of the Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office for making this seizure,” said Deputy Chief Cleo Atwater.

During a long undercover operation, drugs, weapons, money and cars were found.

“A lot of people think that once someone is charged or convicted of a crime and they’re in a correctional facility, that’s the end of their criminal activity. That’s just not true,” Atwater said.

In total, 47 people were charged. This number includes Ulisses Chavez, known as “Rider” or “Gordo,” and Jose Adame, known as “Sniper.” Both were already in custody. Atwater says that didn’t stop them from helping to orchestrate things for those who are still at large.

“They are in custody and have ties to the Mexican drug cartels, in this case in particular, and often in general,” Atwater said.

The organization lasted nine months and ultimately resulted in the seizure of nearly $312,000, 14 guns, 194 kilograms of methamphetamine, 36 kilograms of cocaine, six kilograms of marijuana, more than 300 fentanyl pills, and multiple vehicles.

“It’s really about protecting our most vulnerable population. Our children are vulnerable to gangs, the recruitment of our children has not decreased. In fact, it has increased,” Atwater warned parents.

The charges range from extortion to drug trafficking and weapons possession.

Atwater said two other people could face charges.