Dozens arrested, guns, and drugs seized in Georgia crackdown
Three-week crackdown targets violent fugitives across metro Atlanta area
ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A major fugitive apprehension operation in Georgia led by the United States Marshals Service resulted in 78 arrests and the seizure of firearms, narcotics, and cash, with the effort centered in Clayton County.
Authorities said the three-week operation, conducted from March 16 through April 3, led to the recovery of 46 illegal firearms, 57 pounds of illegal narcotics, and $18,000 in U.S. currency.
The operation was led by the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Atlanta Division, in coordination with federal and local partners, including the Clayton County Police Department and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.
78 people arrested during three-week effort
The effort targeted individuals wanted for violent and serious felony offenses, including murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, child molestation, rape, weapons-related offenses, and violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Authorities apprehended 16 violent fugitives before the operation began following advance investigative work. They arrested an additional 28 violent offenders during the operation.
“This operation shows what is possible when law enforcement works together,” said 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 reflects ongoing efforts to remove wanted individuals from communities.
“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, City of 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.
Authorities said they will analyze crime statistics over the next 90 days to assess the operation’s impact and continue efforts to locate additional fugitives. Intelligence gathered during the operation will also support future narcotics and gang investigations.
