A three-month investigation conducted by the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the DeKalb Police Department has resulted in the arrest of 13 people in connection with selling drugs in DeKalb.

Charges ranged from unlawful delivery of cannabis to unlawful delivery of a controlled substance & crack cocaine.

Many of the 13 people arrested were charged for sales in the Greek Row area, but some also are known dealers on the east side of town.

The investigation started after residents voiced their concerns to law officials about drug sales and other criminal activity, said Sgt. Jim Winters, supervisor for the NCNTF.

The two departments collectively developed information and pursued the investigation, resulting in the 13 arrests for drug trafficking.

Though the number of arrests may be high, DeKalb police Chief Bill Feithen says there still is work to be done on this matter, and he expects 10 to 13 more arrests in connection with the investigation.

The task force and police will continue to monitor the Greek Row area to help eliminate drug trafficking. Communication with citizens and landlords in the area can help any future investigations, Winters said.

Feithen said making the area safer for residents is important.

“We’ve made a commitment to the citizens and residents in the area that we’re going to do anything in our power to make that a safe area to live,” Feithen said.

Feithen still believes there will be some criminal activity, but he promises to do anything he can to reduce the level of it.

Feithen and Winters both compliment each others’ departments on the way the investigation was handled.

“We are pleased with the results of this investigation and the impact it will have in this part of DeKalb,” Winters said. “Any time police can arrest an individual selling drugs in the community, it is important. However, to be able to arrest this many people during one operation is significant.”

Residents will be important in helping find future drug dealers, Feithen said.

“It’s important for citizens to call in if they suspect drug activity going on … the sooner we find out the better off we are,” Feithen said.

Citizens are encouraged to call the NCNTF at 756-2032 or Crime Stoppers at 895-3272.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police and NIU’s University Police Department assisted in the investigation.