LITTLE VILLAGE — A dual investigation by federal and state authorities into gun and trafficking led to the arrest of 20 people in Little Village.
The crackdown led to the seizure of 445 grams of heroin, 230 grams of cocaine and nearly $100,000 in illegal drug proceeds, according to the United State’s Attorney’s office.
Investigators also seized 20 illegal guns, including six rifles. A pickup truck was also confiscated.
Ten of the arrested face federal charges, while 10 face state charges.
“These indictments are the result of the relentless effort of multiple law enforcement agencies who are committed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs and guns into our communities,” U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch, Jr. said.
“We will continue to work with our state and local partners to investigate and prosecute these significant narcotic and firearm cases,” Lausch added.
State Attorney Kimberly Foxx lauded the investigation and law enforcement partnership as a commitment to ensuring “public safety.”
According to officials, the DEA-led investigation began in 2017.
Jose Garcia-Arroyo, 26, of Chicago, also known as “Mexico” was charged with eight counts of distributing cocaine and heroin.
Other’s listed in the federal indictment include Jasmin “Jazzy” Garcia, 24; Carlos Chavez, 32, of Romeoville; and Joel Andrade, 27, of Chicago.
The FBI investigation led to several charges for illegally transporting guns across state lines.
Fausto Gonzalez, 27, of Chicago, illegally possessed a 12-gauge shotgun and a .40-caliber handgun, authorities said.
Arturo “Two-Four” Gonzalez, 35, was charged with illegal possession and transportation of two .22 caliber semi-automatic weapons, authorities said.
Jonathan Paniagua, 25, of Bolingbrook, “willfully engaged in the business of dealing in firearms” without a license. Hector Sanchez, 23, of Chicago, was charged with dealing firearms without a license, authorities said.
Anthony Mendez, 21, of Melrose Park, and Oscar Hernandez, 37 of Chicago were charged with illegal possession of a firearm. Hernandez also faces charges for distributing cocaine in Chicago in 2017, authorities said.
State defendants will appear in Cook County Criminal Court. Detention hearings are expected to be held this week in federal court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.