Crack cocaine with a $9,000 street value was found in a Round Lake Beach apartment during an investigation in which a neighboring town's police dog played a key role, authorities said Wednesday.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said a continuing drug probe brought his officers and the German shepherd, Blade, to Round Lake Beach. He said Blade's work allowed police to obtain a search warrant that led to charges against two suspects Tuesday.

Arturo Olvarte, 36, and Iris A. Barrara, 24, both of the 200 block of Beachview Drive in Round Lake Beach, were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barrara and Olvarte each are held in the Lake County jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

Filenko said police obtained the search warrant from a Lake County judge after Blade immediately went to the door of the couple's apartment and indicated the presence of drugs to his handler, Officer Tony Colon.

Olvarte was eating a sandwich in his front room when officers were allowed inside with the warrant about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Filenko said. Blade directed police to two of three plastic bags with crack cocaine hidden in the apartment, the chief said. Police accuse Olvarte and Barrara of possessing 71 grams of the drug.

"Without the dog, this doesn't happen," Filenko said.

Filenko said police recovered scales and packaging materials for what he characterized as a low-level drug-selling operation. A flat-screen television, DVD player, sound system and 1993 Lincoln Continental were seized because authorities suspect the items were purchased with drug proceeds.

Barrara was pulled over on a traffic stop as she was leaving the apartment and police arrived with the search warrant.

Filenko said it was the second significant drug bust in the past three months for the 31/2-year-old Blade.

In August, two men were charged after the dog found six pounds of marijuana, with a $10,000 street value, that were wrapped and hidden in grease in a car trunk. Colon had Blade check the vehicle when he noticed the suspects acting nervous during a traffic stop.