Maryland, like many states in the U.S., faces a persistent gang problem that has plagued its communities for years. These gangs engage in various criminal activities, from drug trafficking to violent crime, leaving a lasting impact on neighborhoods.
Law enforcement agencies, including local police departments and the FBI, continue to battle these groups, but the gangs remain a significant threat to public safety.
In this article, we will explore the five most dangerous gangs operating in Maryland, their criminal activities, and how they are affecting the state.
1. The Black Guerilla Family (BGF)
Overview: The Black Guerilla Family (BGF) is one of the most violent and influential prison-based gangs in Maryland. Established in the 1960s, the group initially formed as a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist organization but has since evolved into a major criminal enterprise. The BGF primarily operates in the Baltimore area and has a notorious reputation for its violent nature.
Criminal Activities: BGF is involved in various criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes. The gang controls a significant portion of the heroin market in Maryland, particularly in Baltimore. They are also involved in the illegal arms trade, human trafficking, and money laundering. The BGF is known for targeting law enforcement officers, with members frequently attacking police officers in retaliation for arrests or operations against them.
In addition to drug-related offenses, the BGF has been linked to multiple murders, particularly within the prison system. Its influence stretches far beyond prison walls, as many members continue their criminal activities on the streets. The gang operates with strict codes of conduct, and its members are highly organized, making it a formidable foe for law enforcement.
2. MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha)
Overview: One of the most notorious international gangs, MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha), has a significant presence in Maryland, particularly in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. The gang, originally from California, recruits heavily from Salvadoran immigrants and has a widespread influence in both urban and suburban areas.
Criminal Activities: MS-13 is involved in a wide array of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, armed robbery, and, most notoriously, murder. The gang is known for its brutal killings, often using machetes or knives to carry out executions. MS-13 members have been responsible for numerous violent attacks, including killings in public spaces to intimidate communities and rival gangs.
The gang’s primary focus is on controlling drug distribution routes, specifically heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. They also engage in prostitution rings and trafficking young women. MS-13’s brutality and willingness to kill without hesitation make it one of the most feared gangs in Maryland. The gang also has a reputation for targeting schools, often recruiting young students to join their ranks.
3. The Bloods
Overview: The Bloods are one of the most infamous street gangs in the United States, with a presence in various states, including Maryland. In the Baltimore area, Bloods operates as a violent criminal enterprise and have been responsible for numerous violent crimes.
Criminal Activities: The Bloods engage in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, and extortion. They are heavily involved in the distribution of crack cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine throughout Maryland. In addition to drug sales, the Bloods are known for their involvement in violent crimes such as shootings, stabbings, and assaults, often in retaliation for perceived disrespect or attacks from rival gangs, particularly the Crips.
The Bloods operate with a hierarchical structure, with leaders directing operations in various neighborhoods. Their criminal activities are often marked by extreme violence, and their presence has contributed to the ongoing gun violence problem in Baltimore and surrounding areas.
4. The Crips
Overview: The Crips, originally founded in Los Angeles, have a long history of criminal activity in Maryland, particularly in Baltimore and Prince George’s County. As one of the largest and most organized gangs in the U.S., the Crips have expanded their reach to several cities, including those in Maryland.
Criminal Activities: Like the Bloods, the Crips are deeply involved in drug trafficking, particularly the sale of crack cocaine and heroin. They have also been linked to other crimes, such as robbery, assault, and murder. Rivalry with the Bloods often leads to violent confrontations, with both gangs fighting for control over drug territory and territory in general.
The Crips are notorious for using violence to maintain control over neighborhoods, and they often use intimidation tactics to recruit new members. Additionally, the gang is known to extort local businesses, particularly those involved in the illegal drug trade.
5. The 18th Street Gang
Overview: The 18th Street Gang, although smaller than the BGF or MS-13, is another highly dangerous criminal group operating in Maryland. Primarily composed of immigrants from Central America, the 18th Street Gang has a significant presence in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which includes parts of Maryland.
Criminal Activities: The 18th Street Gang is involved in a wide range of criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, robbery, and violent assaults. They are known for their brutal enforcement tactics, targeting rival gangs and anyone who poses a threat to their operations. The gang operates as a major player in the drug trade, moving cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine throughout the region.
In addition to drug trafficking, the 18th Street Gang is involved in human trafficking, prostitution rings, and extortion. They also engage in violent crimes, including shootings and stabbings, often as part of their turf wars with other gangs.
Conclusion
The presence of these dangerous gangs in Maryland highlights the significant challenges law enforcement faces in curbing organized crime. While progress has been made in apprehending gang members and disrupting their operations, the threat remains pervasive.
Gangs like the BGF, MS-13, Bloods, Crips, and the 18th Street Gang continue to engage in violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities that harm communities. Combating gang violence will require continued collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities, as well as increased community awareness and intervention programs to prevent youth from being drawn into gang life.
