78 Arrested, Dozens of Guns and Drugs Seized in Metro Atlanta Fugitive Operation

ATLANTA, Ga. — A three-week fugitive apprehension operation led by the United States Marshals Service and local law enforcement agencies resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and cash across the Atlanta area, officials said.

From March 16 through April 3, the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Atlanta Division, worked with federal, state, and local partners, including the Clayton County Police Department and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, to target individuals wanted for violent and serious felony offenses.

Authorities reported 78 arrests during the operation, along with the recovery of 46 illegal firearms, 57 pounds of illegal narcotics, and $18,000 in U.S. currency.

Investigators said the operation focused on suspects wanted for crimes including murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, child molestation, rape, weapons violations, and drug-related offenses under Georgia law. Prior to the operation’s official start, 16 violent fugitives were apprehended, with an additional 28 violent offenders arrested during the operation.

Officials said the task force conducted extensive pre-operation investigations to verify targets and develop actionable intelligence.

“This operation shows what is possible when law enforcement works together,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta. “Our federal, state, and local partners delivered. They removed violent offenders and made Clayton County and Atlanta safer.”

Stephen Serrao, acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia, said the operation highlights the coordination between agencies. “We are using all the resources available to the Marshals Service to remove wanted felons from our communities,” Serrao said.

Additional agencies involved included the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, South Fulton Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Marshals Department, Atlanta Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Officials said the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force will continue working with Clayton County Police to analyze crime trends over the next 90 days and pursue additional high-priority fugitives. Intelligence gathered during the operation is expected to support future narcotics and gang investigations.