United States Drug Enforcement Administration

JACKSON, Miss. - Multiple defendants face conspiracy and drug charges in the Southern District of Mississippi, announced Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.  The multi-count indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task (OCDETF) in this district.

On September 19, agents from the DEA (Mississippi) District Office along with agents and officers from various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies arrested 27 individuals, resulting in the disruption of two Jackson, Mississippi-based violent poly-drug trafficking organizations, known as the Gangster Disciples and Vice Lords gangs. Among the 27 individuals arrested were 14 Gangster Disciples members, including the leader, and six Vice Lords members. 

This two-year investigation, dubbed Operation Long Bow, has resulted in the arrest of 36 individuals and the seizure of five kilograms of cocaine, 1.2 kilograms of crack cocaine, 30 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine,  500 pounds of marijuana, 3.5 ounces of PCP, $1.2 million in U.S. currency, 23 firearms, and 22 vehicles. 

The defendants are scheduled for trial before a U.S. District Judge on November 8, 2016.

This case was investigated by the DEA, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Division, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, and the Flowood Police Department.

Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.