'Major drug trafficker' arrested in Kane

Narcotics investigators announced Monday the seizure of 14,000 ecstasy pills and the arrest of a Schaumburg man considered a "major" drug trafficker.

Thavatxay T. Manirat, 33, was arrested in Kane County on Thursday after police say he met with an unidentified source to obtain several thousand ecstasy pills with a street value of $3.5 million.

Manirat had previously agreed to sell the drugs to undercover agents for $63,000 and was arrested in a traffic stop after acquiring them, according to the North Central Narcotics Task Force, which investigated him for two months.

Master Sgt. Bill Backus said search warrants in connection with the case were executed at residences in St. Charles and Elgin, the latter being a suspected staging area for distribution of large drug shipments.

"This is a major blow to a drug-trafficking organization which we believe has been responsible for the distribution of thousands of ecstasy pills throughout northeast Illinois," Backus said.

Manirat, who is due in court Sept. 2, remained in the Kane County jail Monday with bond set at $3.5 million. He is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver, a Class X felony punishable by no less than 15 years in prison.

The arrest comes as police have seen a spike in ecstasy cases over the last 12 months, according to Backus. He said ecstasy pills are sold on the street for about $25 and are similar to LSD in their fluctuating availability.

"It will show up and be available for a while, and then it will be months or even a year before you see it again. Why that is, I can't put my finger on it," he said. "Ecstasy definitely is more available now, and in larger quantities."

Backus said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Manirat appears to have no previous criminal history in Kane County, according to court records. There was no attorney listed for him.