A federal investigation has led to drug trafficking and firearms charges against eight individuals accused of distributing fentanyl and cocaine across Chicago’s South Side, according to an indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.
The indictment charges Patrick Tucker, Thomas Cunningham, Darius Johnson, Kywante Shumake, Keontis Shumake, Kamari Ross, Drequan Bass, and Lacola Williams with conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and cocaine from March 2023 to July 2024.
The indictment details how the defendants allegedly operated out of a residence in the 2000 block of West 69th Place in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, using the location to store and distribute controlled substances.
The indictment further alleges that during these trafficking activities, the defendants carried loaded handguns, a common practice among organized drug trafficking groups, which heightens risks to the community.
According to the court filing, law enforcement seized multiple firearms, including a Taurus .38 revolver, Glock pistols, a Stag Arms .223 caliber pistol, and a Springfield XD-9 with a defaced serial number.