27 drug-trafficking suspects charged

Federal and state prosecutors in Chicago have charged 27 people they allege operated a drug-trafficking ring on the city's West Side.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon and Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez announced a nearly yearlong investigation into the drug market resulted in federal charges against 14 people and state charges against 13.

The federal suspects are charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute narcotics. Those charged in Cook County circuit court are accused of delivering a controlled substance.

Among those arrested was 47-year-old Kenneth Shoulders, a leader of the Conservative Vice Lords street gang, who authorities allege controlled the distribution of drugs in parts of the city's Lawndale neighborhood.

Eight handguns, an assault rifle, about $140,000 in cash, heroin and cocaine were seized as arrests took place Thursday.