Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Files Charges Against 47 Sureños Gang Members
A comprehensive nine-month investigation by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Special Investigations Section has resulted in charges against 47 individuals linked to the Surenos gang. This extensive operation, involving meticulous planning and coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, marks a significant achievement in addressing street gang-related criminal activities.
In August 2023, the GCSO Special Investigations Section identified a faction of the Surenos gang engaged in trafficking firearms and large quantities of narcotics throughout Georgia. The investigation employed a range of techniques, including physical and electronic surveillance, undercover operations, and collaboration with confidential informants. The group was found to have connections to Mexican Drug Cartels.
Seized during the investigation were $311,873 in cash, 14 firearms, 194.12 kilos of methamphetamine, 36.8 kilos of cocaine, 6.79 kilos of marijuana, over 300 fentanyl pills, and several vehicles used in criminal activities. The charges against the suspects include narcotics trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, telecommunications device use for drug distribution, criminal street gang activity, and racketeering.
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Chief Cleophas Atwater praised the Special Investigations Section’s dedication, stating, “The GCSO recognizes the right of every individual to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm.” DEA Atlanta Division Special Agent Robert J. Murphy emphasized the DEA’s resolve to hold drug traffickers accountable, noting, “Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities.”
Gwinnett County District Attorney Chief Assistant John Melvin underscored the danger of criminal street gangs and the importance of the GCSO’s efforts, saying, “This case is emblematic of the significant danger that criminal street gangs pose to our communities.” He pledged to ensure that the defendants are held accountable.
The investigation involved collaboration with numerous agencies, including the DEA, Riverdale Police Department, Heard County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, 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 continues its commitment to dismantling criminal operations and maintaining community safety. For tips, contact the GCSO Tip Line at 770.619.6655.
