Alleged Drug Dealers Nabbed in Controlled Heroin Buy: Cops

Photo: Pierre Johnson, 34, and Leroy Noel, 33, are facing felony drug charges. | Cook County Sheriff

An undercover operation in Chicago Ridge netted the arrests of two alleged drug dealers after numerous bags of heroin were purchased by a confidential source, prosecutors said.

Pierre Johnson, 34, and Leroy Noel, 33, appeared in front of Cook County Judge Peter Felice in bond court on Tuesday where are both are facing felony offences.

Prosecutors said that Chicago Ridge police set up a controlled drug buy with a confidential source around 6:30 p.m. August 23.

The confidential source called Johnson and both arranged to meet in an apartment complex parking lot in the 10400 block of Ridgeland Avenue, according to the charges.

Johnson showed up for the buy at the appointed time, along with Noel who rode along in the passenger seat, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said that after the source purchased 24 baggies of heroin with marked currency, she signaled to a detective, who activated the emergency lights on his vehicle and moved in to make the arrest.

Johnson accelerated and hitting some garage doors and headed toward the exit of the parking lot, where he hit a police vehicle, prosecutors said.

Johnson allegedly shimmed out of the driver’s side window and ran away with officers in pursuit. He was arrested moments later.

Police found the marked currency in his possession. Noel remained in the car where he was taken into police custody, prosecutors said.

Noel allegedly gave a written statement saying that after Johnson sold the heroin to the confidential source, Johnson handed him the money and told him to count it.

Johnson is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and unlawful delivery, all felonies.

Noel is facing a manufacturing and delivery felony charge.

Bail for Johnson was set at $100,000. A violation of bail bond order was filed for Noel for another pending case, who is being held on $150,000 bail.

Their next court date is September 17.