Like Father, Like Son: 3 Sets Charged with Dealing Heroin, Cocaine

CHICAGO, IL - Three sets of fathers and sons were among more than 15 arrested last week as part of an ongoing heroin and cocaine dealing sting dubbed “Operation Chicago Storm” by the Chicago Strike Force.

In all, the city and suburban operation resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, nine kilograms of heroin, 14 firearms and more than $600,000 in what’s assumed to be narcotics proceeds.

Julio Martinez Sr., 54, of Lawrenceville, Ga. and his son, Julio Martinez Jr., 32, Chicago are accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine in the city of Chicago, primarily on the Northwest Side according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

An affidavit indicates Edwin Del Valle, 38, of West Columbia, S.C. stashed the narcotics in a garage he owns in Portage Park. All three alleged to be involved in the Northwest Side operation were charged with one count of conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute heroin and one count of knowingly and intentionally possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Another set of Martinez father and son duo, Juvenal Martinez, 66, and Israel Martinez, 32 both of Plainfield, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Phillip Vega, 42, Berwyn and his son, Jacob Vega, 24, Chicago were also charged with conspiracy to deal cocaine and investigators say they found 17 semiautomatic handguns in the father’s home in addition to 56 rounds of ammunition, 60 grams of cocaine and a digital scale.

“Throughout the course of the investigation, authorities surreptitiously recorded numerous drug transactions, including one near the Kennedy Expressway at Armitage Avenue in Chicago,” according to the affidavit. In that incident, more than 140 grams of cocaine was sold by Nicholas Padin, 28, of Chicago.

All who were arrested in the operation are facing charges in the U.S. Court Northern District of Illinois. Investigators used wiretapped cellular phones, cooperating witnesses and “extensive surveillance” in uncovering the criminal activity.