Nearly 24 people were arrested in August after five search warrants in Buford were conducted by the Gwinnett Metro Task Force and the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office said the search warrants initiated the first phase of the investigation into Adrian Bernard Butler, who allegedly led the fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization.
Butler's organization reportedly distributed and trafficked fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine throughout Buford, Flowery Branch and Gainesville. The organization also operated in northeast Georgia counties like Forsyth, Jackson, Habersham and Lumpkin.
The investigation led to the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as pounds of marijuana and several firearms.
Authorities said they are investigating several fentanyl overdose deaths connected to the Butler DTO and more charges are pending.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, GBI Metro Gang Task Force, Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office, Gwinnett County Police Department, United States Marshals Service and the University of North Georgia Digital Intelligence Unit collaborated closely on this operation.
