Gang arrest tally nears 50

Friday, December 16, 2011
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Police on Friday divulged the specific target of a 10-month investigation that culminated in a widespread crackdown this week: A street gang with roots in New Orleans called the 9th Ward.

A multi-agency investigation launched in February has resulted in the arrest of 49 gang members, including 30 netted during a gang sweep in Gwinnett that kicked off before dawn Wednesday near Norcross.

Gwinnett police have scheduled a Monday press conference with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to detail the takedown, which was headquartered at Norcross' North Atlanta Trade Center and fingered around the county.

"The sweep is done, but it generated a lot more leads to be investigated," Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith said Friday.

Members of the 9th Ward gang are responsible for dealing drugs and committing burglaries, thefts, robberies, carjackings and other violent crimes in Gwinnett County and throughout metro Atlanta, Smith said. Some 100 ATF agents, U.S. Marshalls and Probations and Paroles officers participated in the sweep, serving about 120 warrants.

Police declined further comment until the Monday gathering.

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ssilover1 1 year, 5 months ago

I hope for the sake of GC that this is just beginning of ridding our county of ne're do wells. The recent murder of an Asian man put that contingency on the front burner, too.

gwinnetnative 1 year, 5 months ago

Very sad to see what has happened in Gwinnett. For so long it was one of the fastest growing counties in the US. Why? Because it was a great place to live. Not any more. The trash that blew in here from Katrina (wish they would blow out just as fast as they blew in!) know that they will not do time in a GA prison. They will be out on the streets in 2 - 3 days...doing more crimes.

Karl 1 year, 5 months ago

Thank you to the law enforcement folks that made this sweep successful. It is appreciated by the decent citizens of Gwinnett that you serve and protect.

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