Two suspects at large in local cocaine bust

By Kelly Marshall

Police are still searching for two suspected crack cocaine dealers following a number of arrests Tuesday.

Ten people were arrested on drug conspiracy possession charges Tuesday. Another suspect, Antonnio Sanders, 31, of Chicago, was caught in Chicago by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Terry Griffin, 31, of Chicago, and Christopher Bell, 39, of Chicago, are still at large.

Dumdie said this was one of the most extensive and unique investigations because of conspiracy charges.

“I hope this sends a message to the rest of the criminals out there,” Dumdie said. “And to show them that we have a strong force….”

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the case in mid-January when it learned individuals were purchasing crack cocaine from one source in the Sycamore area.

“This isn’t one of our biggest drug busts, but it is one of our largest in terms of number of people involved in being charged with drugs connecting with one source,” said Gary Dumdie, chief deputy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office.

The DeKalb Police Department, Chicago Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted with some the of suspects. The State’s Attorney office also assisted in getting warrants and charges for the suspects.

“I am very pleased on the outcome,” Dumdie said. “Our drug investigators gained the assistance of the DEA and DeKalb P.D. This was the first case where we needed more man power; our drug investigators put in 100 man hours of surveillance on this investigation.”

The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office wasn’t able to share how the 13 suspects were caught because the investigation is ongoing.