The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cops: Ex-mobster’s big drug operation was in meatpacker
Part one starts at MLK Jr. National Historical Park.
History and Atlanta are tightly intertwined, so why not explore that with a walking tour this weekend?
For $10, you can join a walk along the unofficial Atlanta Freedom Trail that’s both fun and educational.
Though the trail spans 10 stops, part one of the tour, which is happening Satur- day, includes the following: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Historic Sweet Auburn District, Liberty Plaza (including the Veterans Memorial) and the Georgia State Capitol.
The tour starts at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which is within walking distance of the King Memorial MARTA station. It concludes with walkable access to the Georgia State MARTA station.
Organizer Steve Saenz requires participants to wear a mask at all times.
Saenz also suggests attend- ees sign up for his free news- letter, Atlsherpa, which is aimed at “people who would like to know Atlanta on a deeper, more meaningful level.” Additionally, ensure
you have a hat, water and sunscreen and comfortable shoes to walk in. It’s also recommended that you bring an ipad if you have one. Pets, however, should be left at home.
Saenz launched the tour in 2020. The Atlanta Freedom Trail Walking Tour stems from the Atlanta Freedom Trail Project. That project’s goal “is to help people explore and connect with ten historic landmarks that commemo- rate FREEDOM,” according to the website. Aside from the walking tour series, it also includes a multimedia website at atlantafreedomtrail. com and an interactive map.
“It occurred to me that there are so many things that are close together that have to do with freedom, liberty and civil rights,” Saenz told the AJC last year.
Decatur, Dunwoody, Stone Mountain and others on Twitter: @dekalbnewsnow
An ex-russian mafia mem- ber accused of supplying drugs to dealers in several metro Atlanta counties was arrested last week after agents raideda Dekalb County meatpacking warehouse, authorities said.
The inquiry into Eduard Bobrik, 45, began late last year when members of the Johns Creek and Forsyth County Drug Task Force launched an operation into a Forsyth County methamphetamine dealer, sheriff ’s office spokes- woman Stacie Miller said Thursday in a news release.
Information obtained in the operation was turnedover to a Forsyth deputy assigned to a federal drug task force, and investigators determined the methamphetamine was com- ing from Dekalb County.
“The information obtained identified the individual as an excommunicated Russian member responsible for
multiple types of illicit drugs to retail-level drug dealers in Forsyth, Dekalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett coun- ties,” Miller said.
Authorities learned the drugs were coming from a 16,000-square-foot warehouse near Decatur, and a federal search warrant was obtained, Miller said. According to deputies, the facility containeda factory that butchered and distributed several types of meat products. During the raid, agents discovered a methamphetamine lab anda pill press in the warehouse office, plus thousands of dollars’ worth of drugs, $60,000 in cash and several weapons, according to the sheriff ’s office.
“Drugs were located inside the industrial refrigerator that was also stocked with meat and other foods that were to be distributed to legitimate businesses,” Miller said.
In the search, agents found 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 400 grams of meth-infused gummy bears and 300 grams of heroin, authorities said. They also reportedly found about 200 oxycodone pills, some 100 MDMA pills, a vial of ketamine, 50 grams of marijuana and seven loaded guns.
Bobrik, who lives in Alpharetta, is charged with trafficking methamphetamine. He also faces federal charges, including meth trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Miller said.
Online: senior citizen programs by UGA-COBB Extension staff Cobb Senior Services. 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 24 and Register: bit.ly/38ep1q7
Online: Georgia Ballet presents “Director’s Collection” in-studio dance series - final performances. 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 20 and 21. $30/ two people. Inside The Georgia Ballet’s Studio, 1255 Field Parkway, Marietta. 770-528-0881 Tickets: Georgiaballet.org/gabpresents
Bunny Egg-venture DriveThru. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27. Four locations around the county. This Easter event is hosted by Cobb PARKS. The Easter Bunny and the Candy Fairy will be waiting to greet families with plenty of goody bags to help them celebrate. 770-528-8800, Cobbparks.org
South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Riverside Parkway, Austell
Fair Oaks Recreation Center, 1465 W. Booth Road Extension SW, Marietta
Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
Mountain View Aquatic Center, 2650 Gordy Parkway, Marietta
■ Four Riverwood International Charter School student-athletes signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at an NCAA college or university in February:
Christyn Ashby signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at Georgia State University.
Thomas “TJ” Shannon signed a national letter of intent to swim at the University of Tampa.
Tillman Weaver signed a national letter of intent to play football at Ohio University.
Amir Adams signed a national letter of intent to play football at Nichols College. Adams will receive an athletic scholarship to play for the Bisons, who compete in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. He was recruited as an offensive guard, tackle and defensive tackle for the NCAA Division III team.
■ Mindy Armstrong, Arnaud Hu g uet and Haley Rust of Atlanta and Cory Haynes of Cumming graduated from Missouri State University.
■ Meghan Bramblett from Winder, Torrance Marable from Atlanta and Hanna Kirby from Cumming graduated from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, in December.