The Narcotics and Gang Investigations Section (NAGIS) of the Chicago Police Department dubbed their latest crackdown on drug trafficking in the North Lawndale area as “Hill Street Blues II.”
But this one, unlike the television version of the famous cop drama, tiffany had no commercials.
NAGIS Commander Eugene Williams said at a press conference Wednesday that his unit capped a seven-day roundup by arresting 17 individuals while issuing warrants for the arrest of three more. Investigators also recovered more than $111,000 in cash, eight cars (two had traps for hiding guns and narcotics), jewelry, furs, computers, jet skis and a motorcycle.
“We will be making more arrests and more seizures,” Williams declared while addressing the media at the police department’s Homan Square storage facility. “We’re confident that we’ve eliminated this particular operation,” he said in response to questions about ongoing narcotics trafficking city-wide.
Community, school and political leaders in the North Lawndale area held a press conference in front of the Penn Elementary School near 16th and Avers Avenue to discuss the increase in gang violence and drug sales following the murder of a high-ranking gang member. Later, Supt. Terry G. Hillard directed the NAGIS to address community concerns and improve the quality of life in the area.
After several months, NAGIS was able to identify a principal supplier of drugs to the target area. Williams identified 29-year-old Reginald Smith of the 400 block of North Wabash as the supplier to the narcotics operation.
Smith, along with co-conspirators Marco Smith, 23, of the 19000 block of Marylake Lane in Country Club Hills and 23-year-old Marcus Johnson, of the 300 block of North Pine, face charges that can net them as much as 30 years imprisonment for conspiring to distribute white heroin in the target area.
Evidence of their involvement and roles in the conspiracy has been documented, which includes undercover buys and surveillance videotapes that were presented to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
“Living this so-called good life comes with a stiff price,” said Williams. “First and foremost, you become morally bankrupt when you deal narcotics.
“What price is someone willing to pay to be the `King of the Hood?’ One’s Soul?”
Besides cash, vehicles, including a 1997 Cadillac Catera; 2000 Mitsubishi Montero 4X4; 1999 Mercedes Benz CLK 430; 2000 Range Rover (containing hidden compartment to conceal drugs, cash and weapons); 1997 GMC Savanna Conversion Van; 1999 Range Rover; 1996 Ford Taurus (with hidden compartment); and a 1997 Oldsmobile Ciera were confiscated.
Weapons include two 12 gauge shotgun; Taurus .40 caliber pistol; .40 Smith and Wesson pistol; .45 caliber handgun; .44 caliber Magnum handgun; .38 caliber revolver; .32 caliber five-shot revolver; .45 caliber Ruger semi-automatic pistol; two 9 mm semi-automatic pistols; .25 caliber automatic handgun; and a .357 Magnum handgun.
Along with 52 grams of white heroin with an estimated street value in excess of $9,000, undercover investigators also confiscated six computers, a motorcycle and several items of jewelry including two Cartier watches, a Rolex watch, a Movado watch, diamond earrings and a diamond tennis bracket.
Also seized under the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the Organized Crime Division and Federal agencies were two fur coats, a 50-inch color television with a video cassette recorder, a fax machine and a currency counter.
Investigators concluded that 18-year-old Kenyana Porter, of the 1600 block of South Harding, and 28-year-old Tiffany Harris worked in a capacity similar to that as “bag ladies.”
Runners arrested include 26-year-old Jack Pearson of the 1400 block of South Lawndale; 30-year-old Anthony Burris of the 1400 block of North Lotus; 18-year-old Quinton Charles who has not been captured but a warrant issued for his arrest; 25-year-old Darnell Hudson of the 200 block of North Laporte; 19-year-old Toyious Taylor, who is not in custody; 17-year-old Martay Brown of the 1800 block of South Harding; and 18-year-old George Brown of the 1600 block of South Harding.
The primary sellers of the group include 34-year-old Trainer Cunningham of the 1800 block of South Hamlin; 17-year-old Kenneth Walley of the 1500 block of South Harding; and 33-year-old Ramona Sims. Investigators also arrested a 15-year-old juvenile in possession of firearms. Williams did not disclose his name.
Expressing relief that this narcotics operation was brought down by police was Rev. James Wolfe, pastor of the Lawndale Christian Reform Church. “I was out there last fall when there were hot tempers and people were trying to jump all over the commander,” he said.
“Lawndale is a good neighborhood and I just want to say thank you to the police for a job well done,” he concluded.
“This is about the fourth operation that yielded positive results,” said community activist Michael James. “We’d like to thank the agencies involved that help make our community better.
“We hope this will encourage residents to partner with the police to improve the quality of life in our community,” he concluded.
Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.
Photo (The westside bust recovered $111,000 in cash, guns and computers.)
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Drug bust nets 20; cash, cars, jewelry confiscated
The Narcotics and Gang Investigations Section (NAGIS) of the Chicago Police Department dubbed their latest crackdown on drug trafficking in the North Lawndale area as “Hill Street Blues II.”
But this one, unlike the television version of the famous cop drama, tiffany had no commercials.
NAGIS Commander Eugene Williams said at a press conference Wednesday that his unit capped a seven-day roundup by arresting 17 individuals while issuing warrants for the arrest of three more. Investigators also recovered more than $111,000 in cash, eight cars (two had traps for hiding guns and narcotics), jewelry, furs, computers, jet skis and a motorcycle.
“We will be making more arrests and more seizures,” Williams declared while addressing the media at the police department’s Homan Square storage facility. “We’re confident that we’ve eliminated this particular operation,” he said in response to questions about ongoing narcotics trafficking city-wide.
Community, school and political leaders in the North Lawndale area held a press conference in front of the Penn Elementary School near 16th and Avers Avenue to discuss the increase in gang violence and drug sales following the murder of a high-ranking gang member. Later, Supt. Terry G. Hillard directed the NAGIS to address community concerns and improve the quality of life in the area.
After several months, NAGIS was able to identify a principal supplier of drugs to the target area. Williams identified 29-year-old Reginald Smith of the 400 block of North Wabash as the supplier to the narcotics operation.
Smith, along with co-conspirators Marco Smith, 23, of the 19000 block of Marylake Lane in Country Club Hills and 23-year-old Marcus Johnson, of the 300 block of North Pine, face charges that can net them as much as 30 years imprisonment for conspiring to distribute white heroin in the target area.
Evidence of their involvement and roles in the conspiracy has been documented, which includes undercover buys and surveillance videotapes that were presented to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
“Living this so-called good life comes with a stiff price,” said Williams. “First and foremost, you become morally bankrupt when you deal narcotics.
“What price is someone willing to pay to be the `King of the Hood?’ One’s Soul?”
Besides cash, vehicles, including a 1997 Cadillac Catera; 2000 Mitsubishi Montero 4X4; 1999 Mercedes Benz CLK 430; 2000 Range Rover (containing hidden compartment to conceal drugs, cash and weapons); 1997 GMC Savanna Conversion Van; 1999 Range Rover; 1996 Ford Taurus (with hidden compartment); and a 1997 Oldsmobile Ciera were confiscated.
Weapons include two 12 gauge shotgun; Taurus .40 caliber pistol; .40 Smith and Wesson pistol; .45 caliber handgun; .44 caliber Magnum handgun; .38 caliber revolver; .32 caliber five-shot revolver; .45 caliber Ruger semi-automatic pistol; two 9 mm semi-automatic pistols; .25 caliber automatic handgun; and a .357 Magnum handgun.
Along with 52 grams of white heroin with an estimated street value in excess of $9,000, undercover investigators also confiscated six computers, a motorcycle and several items of jewelry including two Cartier watches, a Rolex watch, a Movado watch, diamond earrings and a diamond tennis bracket.
Also seized under the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the Organized Crime Division and Federal agencies were two fur coats, a 50-inch color television with a video cassette recorder, a fax machine and a currency counter.
Investigators concluded that 18-year-old Kenyana Porter, of the 1600 block of South Harding, and 28-year-old Tiffany Harris worked in a capacity similar to that as “bag ladies.”
Runners arrested include 26-year-old Jack Pearson of the 1400 block of South Lawndale; 30-year-old Anthony Burris of the 1400 block of North Lotus; 18-year-old Quinton Charles who has not been captured but a warrant issued for his arrest; 25-year-old Darnell Hudson of the 200 block of North Laporte; 19-year-old Toyious Taylor, who is not in custody; 17-year-old Martay Brown of the 1800 block of South Harding; and 18-year-old George Brown of the 1600 block of South Harding.
The primary sellers of the group include 34-year-old Trainer Cunningham of the 1800 block of South Hamlin; 17-year-old Kenneth Walley of the 1500 block of South Harding; and 33-year-old Ramona Sims. Investigators also arrested a 15-year-old juvenile in possession of firearms. Williams did not disclose his name.
Expressing relief that this narcotics operation was brought down by police was Rev. James Wolfe, pastor of the Lawndale Christian Reform Church. “I was out there last fall when there were hot tempers and people were trying to jump all over the commander,” he said.
“Lawndale is a good neighborhood and I just want to say thank you to the police for a job well done,” he concluded.
“This is about the fourth operation that yielded positive results,” said community activist Michael James. “We’d like to thank the agencies involved that help make our community better.
“We hope this will encourage residents to partner with the police to improve the quality of life in our community,” he concluded.
Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.
Photo (The westside bust recovered $111,000 in cash, guns and computers.)