About 2,200 people were charged with narcotics-related offenses during a federal nationwide drug raid, including nine in Chicago, the Chicago Tribune reported. The Chicago bust netted 44 kilograms (nearly 100 pounds) of heroin and eight kilograms (more than 17 pounds) of cocaine, according to federal authorities.
The nationwide investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were dubbed "Project Deliverance" and targeted Mexican drug-trafficking organizations selling in the United States.
In addition to the drugs, authorities seized cash and a handgun.
One of the defendants, 23-year-old Antonio "Gordo" Figuero, was charged with conspiracy to distribute 37 kilograms of the seized heroin. Authorities say they arrested him after he took possession of a truck loaded with the drugs.
Authorities say 26-year-old Antonio "Monster" Mendoza led the Chicago-area cell of the Mexican drug-trafficking operation and distributed narcotics to wholesale dealers in the area. He was arrested in late April.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder held a press conference detailing Project Deliverance's more than 2,200 arrests over 22 months across 16 states, according to BBC News. In total, the sweep netted more than $5 million in cash, 500 weapons, 90+ pounds of heroin, 2,900 pounds of marijuana and unspecified amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Narcotics distribution conspiracy charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and as much as life in prison, plus a fine of $4 million. The actual laws and sentences vary according to the type of drug, amount, area of distribution and other factors, according to FindLaw.
If they're particularly savvy drug traffickers, then they probably already have the name and number of a trusted Chicago criminal attorney memorized by now.
Related Resources:
- Ohio Inmate Sends Letter to Wrong Zip Code, Gets Drug Trafficking Charges (FindLaw Legally Weird Blog)
- Drug Kingpin Turned Informant Sentenced in Secrecy to 25 Years (FindLaw KnowledgeBase)
- Call a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
