Couple Among Nine Individuals Charged in Federal Drug Investigation: Chicago
Published by RawNews1st
A federal drug investigation has resulted in criminal charges against nine individuals for allegedly trafficking cocaine in the Chicago area.
The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chicago Police Department, utilized covert surveillance operations, undercover narcotics purchases, and wiretapped communications to shut down a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by a Chicago couple— Joel Andrade and Maria Brenda Mora-Hernandez.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said federal prosecutors are committed to holding drug traffickers accountable.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not allow our communities to be exploited by drug traffickers peddling poison,” Boutros said. “We are proud to partner with the FBI, Chicago Police Department, HIDTA, and our many other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to hold traffickers accountable and keep dangerous drugs and illegal guns off our streets.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta said the investigation highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt organized drug trafficking in the region.
“The FBI will continue to aggressively combat criminal organizations that degrade our communities by engaging in the trafficking of narcotics,” DePodesta said.
The joint investigation was led by the FBI and the Chicago Police Department, with assistance from the Illinois National Guard’s Counter-Drug Task Force.
