WARNER ROBINS, Ga. (WGXA) — A decades-long crime issue in the Wendan Way area has reached a turning point as 30 individuals were arrested following a Warner Robins-led police investigation.

The operation, known as Wendan Way Blockade, was a 21-month-long RICO, gang, and drug trafficking investigation. Police Chief Wayne Fisher stated, "It was a generational issue within this organized structure point off Wenden Way that has gone through three evolutions along gang identity."

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Fisher noted that various law enforcement tactics had been applied over the years, but lasting solutions were elusive until the Warner Robins Police Department joined the Middle Georgia Gang Task Force in 2024, partnering with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Clay Kilcrease with the GBI emphasized the impact of such operations, saying, "These neighborhoods are terrorized. They're in fear. Kids can't go out on the street and play and the elderly can't take a walk in the evening."

During the investigation, authorities executed seven search warrants, issued 355 arrest warrants, and targeted 11 locations. They seized approximately 24.5 pounds of suspected marijuana, various other drugs, six guns, and a large amount of money.

Mayor LaRhonda Patrick expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved, stating, "If you have a crime ring like that taking place in your community, other crimes gear off of it. Even though this was this bust. It means more to us than just that operation. It means other crimes will decrease when that is taken out of our community."