Feds, cops use wiretaps, surveillance to bust 38 in drug rings

Federal agents and Chicago police worked more than a year using wiretaps, surveillance and undercover buys to break up a Chicago-based drug ring and arrest some of their suppliers and wholesale customers, prosecutors said today.
The investigation resulted in 38 people being charged in criminal complaints filed or unsealed Tuesday and today, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office. All 38 face various narcotics distribution charges, with possible penalties ranging from 10 years to life in prison and a $4 million fine, prosecutors said.
The investigation began in early 2010 with a focus on a Chicago-based drug ring prosecutors say was run by Domingo Blount, 37, of the 2600 block of East 73rd Street and Gabriel Bridges, 42, of the 7900 block of South Carpenter Street, but expanded to include their suppliers and customers in Chicago, Cincinnati, and New York.
Investigators tracked drug purchases of more than 61 pounds of heroin, seizing about 33 pounds of heroin and 15 pounds of cocaine, according to prosecutors and court filings. Authorities also seized $1 million cash, seven automobiles and two guns.
The investigation tapped 16 telephones, which helped investigators to conduct extensive surveillance and seize the drugs, according to prosecutors. Chicago police conducted undercover purchases of drugs and worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Blount-Bridges drug network bought its drugs from several sources, including a drug ring run by Arturo Flores, 35, of the 4900 block of West Medill Avenue, according the charges.
Authorities arrested 20 people in Chicago Tuesday, four in Cincinnati, and one in Laredo, Texas. Seven people, four who live in Chicago and three from Cincinnati, are still at large.
The drug deals took place mostly in Chicago, with the seizure of drugs by fedearl agents on  May 16, when agents seized more than 21 pounds of heroin near the home of one of those charged in the case in the 10800 block of South Avenue J, according to court documents