'Operation Breaking Bad' targets drug, gun traffic in Gwinnett

Gwinnett County Police Wednesday released details on a year-long investigation they said netted guns, drugs and numerous arrests.

 

In the effort dubbed, "Operation Breaking Bad," police worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gwinnett County Gang Task Force.

 

Police spokesman, Cpl. Deon Washington, said the investigation put a dent in crime by targeting gang members and drug dealers selling narcotics and weapons throughout Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta. 

 

"This has been a very successful investigation, and we're thankful that firearms and illicit drugs, along with some dangerous people were taken off the street," Washington told the Georgia News Network.

 

The effort yielded 34 felony warrants for 25 suspects, according to police.   Authorities concluded the operation last Tuesday with simultaneous raids at eight locations on March 28.

 

"During the takedown, five more suspects were arrested and warrants were obtained for them," Washington wrote in a news release.

 

So far, investigators have confiscated about 3 pounds of methamphetamine and over 60 grams of heroin. They also seized several guns including rifles, shotguns and handguns. 

 

Police released names and charges for 19 suspects, but withheld names of people they're still searching for.

 

"This operation shows the vital impact that law enforcement on the federal, state, and local level can have when we work together to make our communities safer places to live," Police Chief Butch Ayers said.