Media outlets in Illinois have reported that four men who are alleged to have been involved in a major McLean County drug distribution ring have been taken into custody. The men, who are 23, 30, 38 and 52 years of age, will likely face federal narcotics charges according to a Bloomington Police Department representative. Reports indicate that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible.
The investigation began when officers noticed what they believed to be significant drug activity taking place at apartments on East Empire Street and Fairmont Drive in Bloomington. While the apartments were under observation, the BPD was assisted by the U.S. Marshals Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police. Once police had gathered enough evidence to establish that drug transactions were likely taking place, search warrants were obtained to enter the apartments.
During the ensuing searches, police officers allegedly discovered about $6,900 in cash, four handguns and about 300 grams of crack and powder cocaine. Members of the BPD Special Weapons and Tactics Team and the ISP Tactical response Team were called in to execute the search warrants according to reports.
Narcotics investigations that involve federal, state and local law enforcement agencies tend to be conducted carefully, but that does not mean that the evidence collected is enough to prove drug charges beyond any reasonable doubt. When presented with facts like these, experienced criminal defense attorneys may read search warrant applications and police reports carefully to find out whether or not the evidence linking their clients with the crimes in question is compelling. When it is not, attorneys may seek to have criminal charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
Source: WGLT, “Four Bloomington Men Arrested In ‘Significant’ Drug Bust “, Eric Stock, Nov. 2, 2018