Inside New Hampshire’s Gang Crisis: The 5 Deadliest Groups to Watch

New Hampshire, known for its scenic landscapes and quiet rural towns, is now facing a growing problem that many might not immediately associate with the state: gang violence.

While it has traditionally been seen as a more peaceful area, New Hampshire is witnessing a rise in gang activity that is impacting its communities, particularly in urban areas like Manchester and Nashua.

With the increase in criminal activity, it’s important to understand which gangs are operating in the state and how they are affecting local safety. Here’s a closer look at the five deadliest gangs making a significant impact in New Hampshire.

1. The Latin Kings

The Latin Kings are one of the most notorious and dangerous gangs in the United States, and they have established a significant presence in New Hampshire. Originating in Chicago, this gang has grown into one of the largest and most organized in the nation, with chapters spread across the U.S., including in New Hampshire. The Latin Kings are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, and violent crimes such as assault and murder.

In New Hampshire, they have been linked to several violent incidents and are known to operate in urban centers like Manchester, where they engage in turf wars with rival gangs. Law enforcement has been particularly focused on dismantling this gang’s influence in the state due to its growing impact on both the local drug market and the general safety of the community.

2. The Bloods

The Bloods, a street gang that originated in Los Angeles, have expanded across the U.S. and are now active in New Hampshire. The group is infamous for its violent behavior, particularly in its ongoing rivalry with the Crips, another well-known gang. The Bloods are heavily involved in illegal activities, particularly drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and robbery.

In New Hampshire, the Bloods’ influence has been growing, particularly in more densely populated areas. They are known for recruiting younger individuals into their fold, offering protection and a sense of community, which can be especially enticing for those in lower-income neighborhoods. This gang’s reach in the state has led to increased gang-related violence, particularly drug-related crimes.

3. The Crips

As one of the most infamous gangs in the U.S., the Crips are often seen as the rivals to the Bloods. This Los Angeles-born gang has a long history of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, robbery, and violent assaults. Their rivalry with the Bloods frequently leads to deadly confrontations, further escalating violence in areas where both gangs are active.

New Hampshire has seen an uptick in Crip-related activities in recent years. The gang is particularly involved in the distribution of crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, which are often trafficked from larger cities. The Crips’ increasing presence in New Hampshire has led to violent clashes with rival gangs, causing concern for public safety, especially in urban areas.

4. The MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha)

MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is one of the most dangerous and violent gangs in the world. Originally formed by Salvadoran immigrants in Los Angeles, MS-13 has expanded to numerous states, including New Hampshire. Known for their brutal tactics, MS-13 members are involved in everything from drug trafficking to human trafficking, extortion, and murder.

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In New Hampshire, MS-13 is a growing threat, particularly in areas with a large immigrant population. The gang’s violent nature and willingness to engage in extreme acts of violence make them a significant concern for law enforcement and local communities. Their influence in the state’s criminal activities, especially in organized crime and drug distribution networks, has led to increased arrests and investigations targeting the gang.

5. The 18th Street Gang

The 18th Street Gang is another large and violent gang that has spread beyond its origins in Los Angeles. Like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang is made up primarily of Hispanic members, and they are involved in a wide variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and robbery. The gang is known for its ruthless violence, particularly in conflicts with rival groups.

In New Hampshire, the 18th Street Gang has made inroads into the local criminal scene, contributing to the rise of gang violence in cities like Nashua and Manchester. Members of the gang are often involved in turf wars with other gangs and are known to recruit young people into their criminal operations. Their aggressive tactics and large network of members make them one of the most dangerous gangs in the state.

The Impact on New Hampshire Communities

The rise of these gangs in New Hampshire has had a significant impact on local communities. While the state may not have the same level of gang violence as larger cities like Los Angeles or New York, the growing presence of these criminal organizations is cause for concern. In particular, the spread of drug trafficking, gang-related violence, and illegal weapon use is creating a more dangerous environment for residents, especially in urban centers.

Gang violence often leads to a cycle of retaliation, escalating conflicts between rival groups and contributing to a higher rate of violent crime. In New Hampshire, this is especially concerning as many of these gangs target vulnerable populations, including teenagers and immigrants, to expand their ranks.

What Is Being Done to Combat Gangs in New Hampshire?

In response to the growing threat of gang violence, law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire are working to dismantle these organizations through a variety of strategies:

• Gang Task Forces: Local police departments and the New Hampshire State Police have formed specialized task forces to target gang-related activity. These units focus on gathering intelligence, making arrests, and disrupting criminal operations.
• Community Engagement: Law enforcement is also working with community groups to prevent gang recruitment, especially among young people. Programs aimed at providing alternative activities, mentorship, and job opportunities are essential to keeping youth away from gangs.
• Collaboration with Federal Agencies: Given the national and international reach of many of these gangs, law enforcement agencies at the state and local level are collaborating with federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA to combat gang activity. These agencies bring additional resources and expertise in dismantling large-scale criminal organizations.

Conclusion

The rise of gang activity in New Hampshire is a growing concern that poses a serious threat to public safety. The Latin Kings, Bloods, Crips, MS-13, and 18th Street Gang are just a few of the dangerous organizations currently operating in the state. These gangs contribute to drug trafficking, violent crime, and the recruitment of vulnerable individuals into criminal enterprises.

While law enforcement and community organizations are working hard to combat these gangs, it is essential that residents remain vigilant and work together to reduce the influence of these groups. By supporting community outreach programs, staying informed, and cooperating with law enforcement, New Hampshire can continue to fight against the growing gang crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of its communities.