21 charged in Waukegan drug operation

Authorities have placed lumps of coal in the Christmas stockings of 21 suspected drug dealers on Waukegan's south side.

Indictments issued this week charge the group with making small sales of crack cocaine to an undercover officer on loan to the city from the Cook County state's attorney's office.

Police Chief William Biang said the people charged in "Operation Good Neighbor" are well-known to local authorities -- they have a total of 150 prior arrests among them.

Biang said the operation targeted open-air drug sales in the city's first ward, south of Belvidere Road and east of Jackson Street.

For three months, Biang said, the investigator bought $10 doses of crack cocaine from his vehicle and made audio and videotapes of each transaction.

"These are ironclad cases which should result in some lengthy prison terms," Biang said. "None of the people charged are eligible for probation because of their prior criminal record."

State's Attorney Michael Waller said the operation focused on securing the first ward for law-abiding citizens.

"I have seen a lot of these operations in 17 years as state's attorney," Waller said. "And after every one, we always get calls from people thanking the police for cleaning up the streets."

The suspects, all residents of Waukegan, are charged with unlawful possession and unlawful delivery of cocaine.

Biang said some of the sales took place within 1,000 feet of a church, school or park, which provides for harsher penalties.

Eleven of those charged, including a 15-year-old juvenile, are in custody. Arrest warrants have been issued for the rest, Biang said.

First Ward Alderman Samuel Cunningham said the dealers intimidated many people in his ward.

"People walking to the grocery store and kids coming off the bus were disturbed by these people," Cunningham said. "This is a great Christmas present for the neighborhood."