ADA controls many drug selling points in the North and West zones.
With the assassination of the gang leader Bem-Te-Vi in 2005 by police, there was a renewed wave of violence as gangs fought for control over favelas previously controlled by ADA.
ADA are thought to wield significant social power in the communities they control, winning support through handouts, throwing parties, and providing some services, while their rivals, the Red Command, imposes itself more through violence.
The gang made global headlines in October 2009 when a police helicopter crashed over Morro dos Macacos favela, which is a major Amigos dos Amigos stronghold.
The helicopter pilot was shot and lost control of his aircraft, killing two.