Two arrested in Crystal Lake heroin bust

An anonymous tip led to the arrest of two Crystal Lake men who were charged Friday with a slew of drug-related offenses.

Agents from the North Central Narcotics Task Force received information through its Web site in January of suspicious activity occurring in the area of Linn Street and Everett Avenue in Crystal Lake, North Central Narcotics Task Force Master Sgt. Tim Sebastian said.

The subsequent investigation, Sebastian said, included several heroin purchases by undercover officers from people living in a home on the 500 block of Linn Street.

On Friday, task force agents, with assistance from the Crystal Lake Police Department, seized about 2 ounces of heroin - packaged for individual sale with a street value of $4,500 - and other prescription narcotics from the Linn Street home. Police also found illegal drug paraphernalia used to inject heroin and about $1,300 in cash, they said.

According to police, Richard L. Bracken, 30, and Rodney L. Bracken, 32, both of the 500 block on Linn Street, were arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Richard Bracken also was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a school, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, police said.

Sebastian said additional charges could arise once investigators identify the prescription narcotics.

Both men are being held at McHenry County Jail.