The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office arrested 47 individuals believed to be connected with Surenos gang activities after a nine month- long multi-agency investigation.
In Aug. 2023, the GCSO Special Investigations Section reportedly uncovered that an element of the major Georgia gang had allegedly been trafficking firearms and narcotics across the state. The agency was able to determine the group had ties to the Mexican Drug Cartels through surveillance and other undercover operations, according to a release from GCSO.
Throughout the investigation in the case, the department seized $311,873.00 in U.S. currency, 14 firearms, 194.12 kilos of Methamphetamine, 36.8 kilos of Cocaine, 6.79 kilos of Marijuana, over 300 Fentanyl pills, and several vehicles utilized in the commission of crimes.
The individuals arrested in the case were charged with narcotics trafficking, telecommunications device use related to drug distribution, illegal possession of firearms, criminal street gang activity, and racketeering.
"This case is emblematic of the significant danger that criminal street gangs pose to our communities,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Chief Assistant John Melvin said. “Today we are safer because of the excellent work of the GCSO and our partner agencies. Now, this office will undertake the arduous task of ensuring that these defendants remain off the streets and are held accountable for their actions.”
GCSO worked with several agencies throughout the investigation, DEA, The Riverdale Police Department, Heard County Sheriff’s Office, The Georgia Department of Corrections, Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, the Marietta/Cobb/Smyrna Organized Crime Unit, Georgia State Patrol, Department of Community Supervision, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, Dekalb County Police, City of Newnan Police, and Bartow County Sheriff’s Office.
“The GCSO recognizes the right of every individual to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm,”Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Chief Cleophas Atwater, said. “Our dedicated Special Investigations Section, which includes the Gang Unit, has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in addressing these challenges, and we commend their outstanding efforts.”
