7 Gangs Terrorizing Missouri: Who They Are and Why You Should Be Concerned

Missouri, like many states across the U.S., has experienced an alarming rise in gang-related violence in recent years. From urban areas to rural communities, organized crime groups are becoming more active, creating a ripple effect that impacts residents, law enforcement, and local economies.

While gangs have been a long-standing issue in Missouri, the presence of more aggressive groups, combined with rising tensions and criminal activity, has escalated concerns.

Here’s a breakdown of seven gangs currently terrorizing Missouri and why residents should be vigilant.

1. The Crips

The Crips are one of the most notorious and widely recognized gangs in the U.S., and Missouri is no exception. Originally founded in California, the Crips have expanded their reach across the nation, and Missouri has seen an uptick in their presence in recent years.

The Crips are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, robbery, and violent crimes. In Missouri, they are particularly active in St. Louis, where turf wars often lead to shootings and other criminal activities. Law enforcement has linked them to several high-profile incidents in the city, which has raised concerns about their growing influence.

2. The Bloods

Rivalry with the Crips has made the Bloods infamous in many parts of the country, and Missouri is no different. While often associated with street-level violence, the Bloods also engage in drug distribution, extortion, and even human trafficking.

Their primary activities in Missouri are centered around St. Louis and Kansas City, where they use violence to control drug sales and intimidate local communities. As with other gangs, the Bloods often recruit young members, which increases their hold on vulnerable neighborhoods.

3. MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha)

While MS-13 originated in California, this Salvadoran-based gang has expanded its reach, and Missouri is one of its growing territories. Known for extreme violence, including the use of machetes and other brutal tactics, MS-13 has gained a reputation for its involvement in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent assaults. The gang operates in several Missouri cities, including St. Louis and Springfield, using fear and intimidation to expand their criminal enterprises. Their tactics often involve targeting immigrant communities, and their ruthless approach makes them a significant concern for law enforcement.

4. 18th Street Gang

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Another notorious gang with a heavy presence in Missouri is the 18th Street Gang. Originally formed in Los Angeles, this group has spread across the U.S. and internationally. The 18th Street Gang is heavily involved in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and extortion. In Missouri, they are most active in Kansas City and St. Louis, where their activities contribute to an increase in violent crime and drug-related offenses. The 18th Street Gang is also known for their brutal initiation rituals, making them a particularly dangerous threat to public safety.

5. The Vice Lords

The Vice Lords, one of the largest gangs in the U.S., have established a significant presence in Missouri, particularly in the St. Louis area. This Chicago-based gang is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, prostitution, and weapons offenses. The Vice Lords have long been known for their sophisticated operations and violent methods, using intimidation and coercion to maintain power over their territories. With an emphasis on maintaining control through violence, this gang poses a serious risk to the stability of affected neighborhoods.

6. The Black Disciples

A particularly dangerous gang with a strong foothold in Missouri, the Black Disciples are involved in a range of criminal activities, such as drug dealing, violent assaults, and gang-related shootings. Like the Vice Lords, the Black Disciples are notorious for their influence in the larger urban areas of Missouri, including St. Louis and Kansas City. They have a well-organized structure that allows them to operate with precision, making them a formidable adversary for local law enforcement. Their ability to recruit and maintain loyalty among young people only exacerbates the problems they pose to Missouri communities.

7. The Latin Kings

The Latin Kings are one of the most well-known and organized gangs in the U.S., with a growing presence in Missouri. While they were initially formed as a way to protect Latino communities, their involvement in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, and organized violence has made them a force to be reckoned with. Active in several Missouri cities, including St. Louis, the Latin Kings use a hierarchical structure that allows them to effectively manage their criminal operations. Their impact on local crime rates, particularly in relation to drug violence, has prompted increased efforts from law enforcement to dismantle their networks.

Why You Should Be Concerned

While the gangs listed above are just a few examples, they represent a growing issue across Missouri. As organized crime groups expand their operations, local communities face an increase in violence, drug trafficking, and fear. Gangs often use young people to carry out criminal acts, contributing to the ongoing cycle of poverty and violence in vulnerable neighborhoods. Additionally, gang-related crimes can create an atmosphere of fear, making it difficult for residents to live safely in their own communities.

The presence of these gangs also poses a significant challenge to law enforcement, which must balance keeping the peace with combating highly organized and often violent criminal groups. Local authorities, in collaboration with state and federal agencies, are working to address gang activity, but the problem remains a persistent and complex issue.

What Can Be Done?

In response to the rise of gang violence, Missouri communities are working to implement several strategies to curb gang activity. These include better access to community resources, education, and youth programs aimed at steering young people away from gangs. Law enforcement agencies are also collaborating with federal partners to crack down on the illegal activities that fund gang operations.

For residents, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. Reporting suspicious activity and cooperating with law enforcement can help reduce the influence of these gangs in local neighborhoods.

Missouri is facing an increasing gang problem that requires a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, community support, and public education. Understanding which gangs are active and the dangers they pose is key to staying informed and safe.

While efforts to combat gang violence continue, the involvement of all residents is crucial in preventing these groups from gaining further influence. By working together, Missouri communities can begin to turn the tide against gang-related violence and crime.

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