[citation needed] Many gangs started appearing in Georgia in the mid 1980s, as a result of the crack cocaine epidemic.
[2] In more recent times, Mexican drug cartels have established Atlanta as a major distribution hub for methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
There are also a handful of Greek families owning local diners that, over the years, have been reputed as having connections with these larger syndicates.
The well-known gangs are mainly concentrated in the West, Southwest, Southeast, and East Atlanta such as "The Robbing Crew" from Decatur, “61PK” from Dallas, and the "FENNOKES" from College Park with many gangs with turf on the outskirts of the city and have hybrid sets that are found in smaller cities all over Georgia.
[citation needed] Some of the gangs are nationwide, such as the Sureños, Bloods, Gangster Disciples, Nortenos, Crips, Latin Kings, Tiny Rascal Gang, and MS-13 who have sent high ranking shot callers to establish local neighborhood cliques as loyal sets under the same flag.