Warner Robins Police Chief Wayne Fisher shares more details on RICO, drug bust

The operation, conducted on the afternoon of Oct. 8, led to 30 arrests.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins Police Chief Wayne Fisher says Operation “Wendan Way Blockade” busted a generational crime ring, with the ages of the accused ranging from 17 to 53.

The operation, conducted on the afternoon of Oct. 8, led to 30 arrests. Six of those charged were already incarcerated. During the search, law enforcement seized more than $27,657, eight vehicles, and six guns, along with six grams of meth, 53 ecstasy pills, and 24.5 pounds of marijuana.

“Almost all have violations of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act with one to multiple counts,” Fisher said. 

The Warner Robins Police Department, alongside the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, teamed up with other agencies such as United States Marshals Service, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. LaRhonda Patrick, Mayor of Warner Robins, says she’s hopeful that their work will help residents in the impacted area sleep a bit easier at night.

“If you have a certain crime ring like that taking place in your community other crimes gear off of it,” Patrick said. “It makes me feel really good and very proud of our team and our community and the joint effort that this took.” 

The operation came as the result of a 21-month investigation. With a grand total of 355 warrants signed, Fisher says there’s a lot more work to do, but he’s relieved that these 30 individuals will face justice.

“All will be brought underneath the RICO charge being prosecuted out of the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, who again, we’ve worked hand and glove with to bring a durable solution to the problem that has been facing this community,” Fisher said.