Nine Nabbed with Cocaine and Heroin in Joliet Drug Bust

 Posted on February 01, 2019 in Uncategorized

Will County drug traffickers took a hit in August 2018 when a joint federal and state task force arrested nine individuals. Seven will face federal charges for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute while the other two will face state drug charges.

Local law enforcement officers supported by the FBI seized roughly three kilograms of cocaine, which has a street value of approximately $300,000, and about 60 grams of heroin that would sell on the street for around $12,000, along with vehicles, cash, and firearms. For perspective, Illinois law calls for a sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison for cocaine possession over 900 grams, while the heroin possession qualifies for a sentence of 4 to 15 years.

Eight of the nine accused were living in Joliet with the ninth residing in Aurora. Their ages ranged from 38 to 67 years old. One of the key players in this drug ring is said to be associated with the Black Gangster Disciples, a gang reported to have anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 members across 110 cities in 31 states. Had this individual been charged under Illinois state law, he could have been found guilty of “street gang criminal drug conspiracy” which is a Class X felony.

Will County Sheriff Seized Another 21 Kilograms of Heroin

In a separate drug bust in September 2018, Will County deputies from the Gang Suppression Unit seized a total of 21 kilograms of heroin valued at roughly $2.1 million. Deputies initially encountered a suspicious vehicle with two occupants near the intersection of I-355 and I-55. While running the driver’s license, they had a drug dog sniff the exterior of the vehicle. The dog indicated the presence of drugs, giving the officers the necessary probable cause to search the vehicle.

Their search turned up five kilos of heroin. During the course of interviews, one of the two people in the vehicle admitted to having additional drugs at home, which led to the recovery of an additional 16 kilos. Both individuals in the vehicle were charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Protect Your Rights with a Joliet Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with any type of drug crime, speak to an experienced Will County drug crimes defense attorney before you say anything to the police. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and that charges could be dismissed if your constitutional rights were violated at any point. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. is committed to providing an aggressive defense against any drug charges. Contact us 24/7 at 815-740-4025">815-740-4025.