DEA Investigation Leads to Charges Against 19 Individuals for their Roles in Massive Narcotics Ring
Nineteen individuals have been charged for their participation in two organizations that supplied and distributed large quantities of powder and crack cocaine, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced last week, following a nine-month-long DEA investigation into the organizations.
“This investigation is indicative of the commitment and resources that are necessary to bring charges against the leaders of these alleged drug trafficking organizations, here in Chicago,” said Jack Riley, special agent in charge of DEA’s Chicago Field Division. “And because of the nature of these long-term investigations, the months of effort often go unnoticed until the results are made public.”
According to the complaint, DEA agents and Chicago police officers began the investigation in September and learned that Odell Givens and Antwan Jones were the leaders of the two organizations. Investigators discovered that Givens’ organization had three main cocaine suppliers. The complaint alleges that the other defendants participated in the organizations by either transporting drugs, storing drugs, conducting drug transactions or collecting money from the transactions. Two of the defendants also allegedly supplied individuals with distribution quantities of cocaine, as well as supplying a place where the organizations could cook crack cocaine.
Jones’ organization allegedly stored drugs at and distributed drugs from an apartment building in Chicago, according to the complaint.
DEA agents executed multiple search warrants in Chicago, Calumet City, Crete and Elmhurst after the investigation into the alleged drug trafficking.
“Our top priority in achieving violence reduction is dismantling the drug trafficking organizations whose criminal enterprises are responsible for crime in our communities,” said Garry McCarthy, superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. “Our joint efforts in this investigation have made a real impact on the supply and distribution of narcotics, and the violence it breeds in the Chicago area, by targeting the source and holding alleged members and associates of drug trafficking organizations accountable for their actions.”
Sixteen of the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a maximum $5 million fine, DEA said. Two of the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison and a fine of $10 million.