Feds Bust Giant Fentanyl, Cocaine, And Heroin Ring In Chicago And Western Suburbs

DOWNERS GROVE — Federal law enforcement officials have charged more than a dozen Chicago and west suburban residents in a massive heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine ring that lasted for two years. During the raid, the FBI seized more than 52 kilograms of cocaine, 13 kilograms of fentanyl, 45 kilograms of heroin, and pound of methamphetamines.

After an extensive undercover operation led by the DEA and the FBI, officials charged 13 parties in connection with this drug ring. Three of the suspects are still at large, according to a statement.

Investigators allege that Aurelio Abrego, 45 of Chicago worked with Jose Miguel Perez, 54, of Chicago, to acquire and distribute cocaine and heroin. The alleged wholesale distributors that provided the drugs were identified as Javier Moreno, 49, of Chicago, and Richard Alvarado, 28, of Chicago, and Pedro Saavedra-Fitz, 36, of Chicago.

According to a filed federal complaint, the investigators witnessed multiple drug transactions on Chicago's Northwest side. Police said Perez and Abrego sold a kilogram of heroin to Saaveda-Fitz in 2015. At this time, the retail price for a kilogram of heroin was around $50,000. Police said they witnessed Abrego exchanging the heroin with someone in an alley in Chicago's Belmont Gardens.

Police arrested Abrego, Perez, Alvarado, Gomez, and Llanos Wednesday and charged them with drug distribution.

Several west suburban residents were also charged in connection with this drug ring. Ricardo Castaneda, 31, of Peru, Santos Godina, 32, of West Brooklyn, Eugene Alexander, 44, of Bensenville and Jennifer Reppin, 33, of Peru will all go to trial on charges of drug distribution.

According to police, there was a previous arrest in which Carlos Fuentes, 40, of Riverside was indicted on drug distribution charges. He is currently awaiting trial.

Saavedra-Fitz , Moreno, and Rolando Estrada, 41, of Elmwood Park are still at large, police say.

>>Image via Pixabay