Some of the most dangerous gangs in the state pose a threat to Maryland because of its busy cities and near proximity to large metropolitan areas. These organizations commit a wide range of crimes, such as violent crime, extortion, and drug trafficking. These five gangs are well-established in Maryland and are still expanding their power.
MS-13
Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, has grown to be one of the most infamous gangs in the nation, and Maryland is no different. The gang was founded in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants in Los Angeles, and it has since expanded throughout the United States, with notable activity in the urban and suburban areas of Maryland.
Members of MS-13 are notoriously violent and frequently use machetes to keep others under control. The group engages in extortion, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. In places like Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, MS-13 has made inroads and is still a major concern.
Bloods
In Maryland, there is also a significant presence of The Bloods, one of the most well-known street gangs in the United States. The gang was founded in Los Angeles and functions as a network of smaller gangs, or “sets.” Local neighborhoods are under the leadership and supervision of each set.
The Bloods have a significant role in violent crimes and drug delivery in Maryland. The gang has been active in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, and internal conflicts and rivalries frequently result in violence. The Bloods are identified by their red clothing and five-related insignia.
Crips
The Bloods’ rival gang, the Crips, has also extended its activities to Maryland. The Crips, who were founded in Los Angeles in the late 1960s, are recognizable by their blue attire and six-related signs.
The Crips in Maryland concentrate on violence, thievery, and drug trafficking. They operate in several suburban regions as well as urban locations like Baltimore. Due to affiliations with other local groups, the gang’s power has increased, making it more difficult to track down and regulate their actions.
DMI, or Dead Man Incorporated
Dead Man Incorporated, also known as DMI, is a prison gang that was founded in Maryland and has spread onto the streets. DMI was once affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood before branching out on its own. It was founded in Maryland prisons in the late 1990s.
Contract killings, extortion, and drug trafficking are all major activities for DMI members. They have a strong presence in Maryland jails and select neighborhoods and are well-known for their white supremacist affiliations and rigid internal code.
The BGF, or Black Guerrilla Family
Another deadly group that has strong ties to Maryland is the Black Guerrilla Family, or BGF. BGF was first established as a prison gang in California in the 1960s, and it now maintains a stronghold in Baltimore.
The group frequently competes with other gangs for power and focuses on drug trafficking and violence. They are especially challenging to destroy because of their hierarchical structure and capacity for recruitment inside jails.
In conclusion
In Maryland, these gangs pose a significant threat to public safety. Their actions cause community instability in addition to harming individuals. To stop gang violence and provide at-risk youngsters with options, law enforcement, community organizations, and local leaders must collaborate. In order to end the cycle of gang recruitment and guarantee safer areas throughout the state, public awareness and preventative initiatives are essential.
Maryland can take significant steps to lessen the influence of these harmful groups by tackling the underlying reasons of gang involvement.
