Alleged drug traffickers face charges in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) - Thirteen people are facing federal charges for their roles in what agents describe as a major trafficking operation to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in and near Chicago.

A Thursday statement from the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago says five suspects were arrested Wednesday and five others in May. Three are fugitives.

A two-year investigation targeted the operation on Chicago's Northwest Side and in suburbs west of the city. Prosecutors say one of the many drug transactions occurred at a gas station in Aurora where five kilograms of fentanyl changed hands.

The complaint says the government's evidence includes wiretap recordings during which dealers discussed their transactions.

The investigation was part of a partnership between federal, state and local agencies aimed at dismantling major drug and weapons trafficking operations.