Arizona, famed for its deserts and bustling communities, has several violent and prominent gangs. These groups commit drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and other crimes. Arizona’s five most notorious gangs are listed below.
Barrio Hollywood gang
The Barrio Hollywood Gang has long operated illegally in southern Arizona. Tucson may be the gang’s genesis. Drug delivery, robbery, and violent crimes are common in this street gang. The Barrio Hollywood Gang, known for its territorial disputes, uses violence and intimidation to govern its areas.
The gang has generated a domino effect that has affected law enforcement and local communities. This gang uses Tucson as a center since it is a large city near the US-Mexico border and traffics drugs.
La Eme—the New Mexican Mafia
The New Mexican Mafia is a powerful prison group in Arizona. Though it started as a branch of the Mexican Mafia, it has grown into a strong organization. In addition to controlling drug trafficking, extortion, and organized violence, the gang enforces strict rules on its members.
The New Mexican Mafia, which has close ties to Mexican cartels, traffics narcotics across Arizona. Like other cities, Phoenix is vulnerable to them.
Sinaloa Cartel Affiliates
Due to its border with Mexico, the Sinaloa Cartel is active in Arizona. The cartel uses local affiliates to operate in Arizona while not being a street gang. These organizations brought large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US.
Many of the Sinaloa Cartel’s affiliates smuggle humans, making the Arizona border critical. Due to its advanced networks and resources, this gang is one of the most dangerous in the region.
Gang or South Side
Street gang the South Side Posse is largely active in Phoenix, Arizona. The group commits drug trafficking, assaults, and armed robberies. Aggressiveness is its hallmark. Their nasty reputation makes them a threat in Phoenix.
This gang, known for recruiting young people and exploiting vulnerable people, often traps entire families in criminal activities.
Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
Despite being based in California, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has a strong Arizona chapter. Despite their reputation for extortion, drug trafficking, and murder, the Hells Angels remain a threat across the state.
The gang’s red-and-white insignia is often used to identify the group due of its involvement in methamphetamine trafficking. They are powerful because their effect spans Arizona’s roads.
One last thought
Arizona must handle huge challenges caused by these ruthless gangs and their illegal businesses. These groups threaten the state’s residents and create an atmosphere of fear and instability in their operating areas.
Comprehensive approaches are needed to address these risks. Community participation, law enforcement cooperation, and programs to help at-risk teens should be part of these initiatives. Arizona can reduce the influence of these gangs and ensure a safer future for its people by raising awareness of their activities.
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