In late February 2011, the Gwinnett County Police Gang Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (A.T.F.) initiated a joint investigation into an organized street gang operating primarily out of 100 Castor Drive in Norcross.  The organization consisted of several smaller groups falling under the larger organization of "Gangster Disciples".  During the course of the investigation, we quickly discovered that this organization conducted its criminal activities in various locations throughout Gwinnett County.  Through the combined efforts of the Gang Unit, the A.T.F., the Crime Suppression Unit, local CRT Units, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the Special Investigations Section, the gang's individual members began to be identified and documented. 

During the early stages of the investigation, investigators discovered a second organized criminal street gang operating in conjunction with the first.  The connections between the two criminal organizations were not coincidental, and a second investigation was launched in conjuction with the first.  Investigators began to identify and document those members as well. 

Over the next eight months, investigators observed and documented numerous cases of members from both gangs working together in committing criminal activities. The pattern of cooperation suggested a partnership between the two groups.  The two most common crimes committed by these criminal organizations were burglary and drug related offenses. 

The investigation into the burglaries led investigators to arrest 20 gang members for burglary. Investigators were able to clear and close 16 known burglaries, with the gang members still suspected in another 50. 

Investigators also arrested 17 gang members for drug related charges. There were 55 felony drug warrants, 7 misdemeanor drug warrants, and numerous citations issued for county ordinance drug violations. Investigators seized more than 1500 grams of marijuana, 32 grams of cocaine, and numerous prescription pills. 

In April 2011, the investigation led investigators to the Norcross area. Gang Unit officers encountered and attempted to investigate one of the members of the gang. During that encounter, the armed gang member drew his weapon and attempted to engage the officers and was shot and killed.  No officers were harmed. 

The violent tendencies of the gang became more evident as the investigation continued.  Numerous members of the gang were arrested for weapons possession, to include weapons that were stolen and/or had the serial numbers removed.  Gang members became involved in robberies, assaults, and a case of false imprisonment.  Two members of the gang were arrested for Murder and Aggravated Assault. 

The initial phase of the investigation came to an end on December 14th, 2011, with a coordinated warrant sweep. Members of the Gwinnett County Police Department, the A.T.F., U.S. Marshalls, and Probations and Paroles participated.  109 felony and 10 misdemeanor arrest warrants were served.  Thirty one individuals were arrested in the operation on the 14^th.

 Statistics from the investigation so far: 

• - 49 gang members arrested 
• - 11 felony weapons charges have been served; 24 state weapons indictments pending 
• - 3 felony theft charges have been served; 5 pending state indictments for Theft of Motor Vehicle involving 3 stolen vehicles recovered during the investigation. 
• - 121 felony gang warrants issued; 65 state gang indictments pending

In total, the investigation produced 248 felony warrants, 96 felony indictments, and 17 misdemeanor warrants. 3 stolen cars were recovered, 2 other vehicles were seized due to their involvement in criminal activities.  5 handguns, and 2 illegal sawed off shotguns were also seized.