-National Alliance of Gang Investigators, 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment

Easy access by air and roads, strategic location to East Coast, and economic growth on one hand and growing poverty on the other are the characteristics that have made Atlanta a hub for gang activities.

Atlanta is home to more than 50 gangs having nearly 2000 members. Although most are independent groups there is evidence that at least 10 of the national gangs are present in Atlanta.

The National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) reports that gangs control the retail trade in illicit drugs throughout Georgia.

The NDIC's Georgia Drug Threat Assessment reports that 40%-57% of the drugs seized during Operation Pipeline (a concentrated effort by local police, state drug enforcement agents and federal agents) were on I-95, I-85, I-75 and I-20.

Although many public officials remain in denial, gangs are on the rise throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and the state. Increased levels of violence, increased graffiti and tagging, drug trafficking, robbery, aggravated assault and murder are all indicators of gang presence.

African-American and Hispanic gangs are fighting to control drug sales on the street level while Mexican drug lords such as Ignacio Coronel Villareal, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada control the manufacture and wholesale distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana to the entire U.S.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mexican cartels are the top suppliers for the $65 billion U.S. illicit drug habit and the most powerful in the world.

Anthony Placido, a DEA intelligence officer, says "The Mexicans control 92% of the U.S. cocaine market and 53% of the methamphetamine sold in America."

Officer Scott McBride of the Fulton County Police Department says, "One of the most serious threats to all our communities is the increased level of gang turf wars evident in all the metro counties."

As these gangs proliferate, the street signs are not the only tools employed by these criminals. The 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment highlights several new trends in gang activity.

According to the published report gangs are now employing technology and computers to perpetrate criminal acts.

Despite misconceptions, gang activities are not restricted to youths. Although there are more than 20,000 youth gangs with nearly 750,000 members nationally [2002 National Youth Gang Survey], adult gangs control drug trafficking.

The national gangs with representation in Atlanta include: MS-13, Bloods, Crips (autonomous from West Coast Crips), Latin Kings, Asian Gangs, Sur 13, Gangster Disciples, Black Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords and Outlaws (Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs).

Hispanic gangs such as La Gran Familia, Vatos Locos, Pachucos, Riverside, 18th Street, East Side Locos, La Raza and Aztecas all have an Atlanta presence.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the 2005 National Gang Threat Assessment indicated that as much as 26.5% off all crimes in their jurisdictions could be traced to gang activities.

Atlanta is ranked number 9 in the 2004 Top Gang Turfs and with its growing prominence as an international city will continue to attract gangs.