GWINNETT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS SECTION COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES IN MAJOR GEORGIA GANG CASE

Operation (F1RE and IC3) targeting the Surenos gang leads to arrests of 47 individuals

(Gwinnett County, GA, August 28, 2024) – Following a comprehensive nine-month investigation spearheaded by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Section, charges were filed against 47 individuals involved in criminal activities linked to the Surenos gang. The operation, which required meticulous planning and close coordination among various law enforcement agencies, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat criminal street gangs within our community.

In August 2023, the GCSO Special Investigations Section uncovered an element of the Surenos criminal street gang engaged in trafficking firearms and a substantial quantity of narcotics across Georgia. Through a combination of physical and electronic surveillance, undercover operations, collaboration with cooperating individuals and confidential sources, as well as skilled interviewing and interrogation techniques, the investigation revealed the group's connections to the Mexican Drug Cartels.

The seized items in this case included $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. Charges brought against the individuals involved encompassed offenses such as narcotics trafficking, telecommunications device use related to drug distribution, illegal possession of firearms, criminal street gang activity, and racketeering.

Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Chief Cleophas Atwater emphasized the importance of safeguarding the citizens of Georgia, “The GCSO recognizes the right of every individual to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm.” he stated. “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.”

"Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division Special Agent. “Cases like this clearly demonstrate the resolve of the DEA to hold violent drug traffickers accountable."

Gwinnett County District Attorney Chief Assistant John Melvin said, "This case is emblematic of the significant danger that criminal street gangs pose to our communities. 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.”

The GCSO Special Investigations Section remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing individuals who pose a danger to the community. We extend our gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their collaboration, which has been instrumental in ensuring the successful prosecution of those involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety of our community. The partner agencies who assisted with this investigation include the 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.

Our ongoing efforts in investigating and dismantling criminal operations have played a vital role in maintaining the security of our citizens. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will keep the public informed on any additional updates. To submit a tip, you may contact our Tip Line for any information or reports at 770.619.6655.

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