ATF to announce major drug bust in Baltimore City

BALTIMORE - It was called Operation Brooklyn to the Bay.

55 suspects, in what the feds said was a ‘gang-like’ criminal organization, were the targets.

Most of who were snatched up in early morning raids Wednesday

"They were home grown thugs primarily involved in drug trafficking,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Theresa Stoop.

But it wasn't just the cocaine and the heroin the ATF says.

The group used widespread violence to conduct its business causing more than 700 police calls in recent years.

A fairly large criminal foot print now swept off streets like in the 4800 block of Pennington where officers served two of their warrants.

Neighbors are still wary of appearing on television, but say they saw and heard the raid hoping it puts an end to the repeated criminal behavior up and down that part of Brooklyn.

It is the very same hope of the investigators that spent more than a year on a complicated investigation

One they say literally started with the questioning of just one suspect.

"This morning is a lot different than yesterday morning. I can tell you that. You can't take 55 people that are involved in criminal activity out of a community and not make a difference and that is our entire purpose, public safety. That is why we go to work every day," said Stoop.

And the work is far from over.

ATF was not able to locate 16 of their suspects Wednesday morning.

Justin Malone, Christopher Marshall and Edward Robinson are all wanted on federal drug charges while 13 others remain at large on state charges.

ATF now hoping the public can help complete this sting.

If you recognize any of the fugitives in this story, call the ATF tip line at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.

The ATF's violent crime impact team is made up of federal agents and Baltimore city police officers.

The ATF said Anne Arundel County Police also helped in the bust.

To learn more about the ATF's Violent Crime Impact Team, watch Brian's in-depth report from May called,  'A rare look inside a gang takedown.'