BUFORD — A major drug trafficking investigation centered in Buford has led to the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and multiple firearms, authorities said.
In August, the Gwinnett Metro Task Force and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office executed five search warrants in Buford. The raids marked the first phase of a broader investigation into a fentanyl drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Adrian Bernard Butler.
Officials say the Butler organization distributed illegal drugs across Buford, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, and other areas in Gwinnett County, as well as in Forsyth, Jackson, Habersham and Lumpkin counties, and throughout northeast Georgia.
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating several fentanyl overdose deaths believed to be connected to the organization. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
“This operation not only disrupted a significant drug pipeline in our community, but it may also provide leads in other ongoing overdose and trafficking cases,” said officials with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
Agencies Involved
The following agencies assisted in the investigation:
- DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program
- GBI Metro Gang Task Force
- Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office
- Gwinnett County Police Department
- United States Marshals
- University of North Georgia Digital Intelligence Unit
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Tips can be submitted to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office by calling 770-619-6655 or visiting GwinnettCountySheriff.org. Drug-related tips can also be reported to GBI ARDEO at 706-348-7410.
About the Task Forces
The Gwinnett Metro Task Force is led by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and includes officers from Duluth, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Auburn, and Suwanee police departments. Several specialized units within the sheriff’s office also participated, including the Gangs, Trafficking and Child Exploitation (TRACE) unit, Fugitives, Jail Intelligence, Crime and Intelligence, K-9, and Uniform Warrants divisions.
GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency task force covering 30 counties in North Georgia. It includes local law enforcement from 12 counties and cities, as well as support from the Georgia National Guard, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
For more details and photos of those arrested, visit the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office website.
