Twelve people were charged with trafficking fentanyl-laced heroin, cocaine, and other drugs in Chicago, Illinois, and surrounding states. The charges were the result of a multi-year, multi-state investigation led by the FBI Chicago Field Office.
The defendants are accused of distributing and intending to distribute fentanyl-laced heroin, cocaine, and marijuana on the South Side of Chicago. Some of the defendants allegedly supplied or sought to supply the drugs to customers in other states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio.
The investigation utilized numerous controlled narcotics purchases, covert surveillance operations, and wiretapped communications to shut down two separate drug trafficking operations.
The defendants face a variety of charges, including drug conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. If convicted, they could face decades in prison.
The charges are a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine. This can make it difficult to know how much fentanyl is in a given drug, and can lead to overdose deaths.
The FBI Chicago Field Office is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute drug trafficking organizations. The agency is also working to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including treatment centers, support groups, and hotlines.
