Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jun 2006
Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Copyright: 2006 Sun-Sentinel Company
Contact:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159
Author: Tara Burghart , AP
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

PROSECUTORS CHARGE 47 IN CHICAGO DRUG BUST

CHICAGO . Federal prosecutors Wednesday charged more than three dozen 
members of a Chicago street gang with running a drug ring that sold 
crack cocaine, marijuana, heroin and the potentially lethal 
prescription painkiller fentanyl.

Fentanyl-laced heroin has been blamed for more than 200 
overdose-related deaths across the eastern half of the country in 
recent months, at least 70 in the Chicago area.

But while much of the fentanyl seized in the investigation was 
packaged for individual use, none of the seized heroin was found to 
be mixed with fentanyl, authorities said. The painkiller is 80 times 
stronger than morphine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Shapiro alleged that the Mickey Cobras 
gang marketed its drugs to take advantage of the deadly heroin's 
notoriety, selling products with names such as "Max Pain," "Lethal 
Injection," "Fear Factor," "Drop Dead" and "Final Call."

"They carry niche marketing to its extreme," Shapiro said. "They sell 
branded heroin."

None of the defendants had been charged with the fentanyl deaths, he said.

In a series of raids Wednesday, agents seized more than 100 
kilograms, or 220 pounds, of heroin, five firearms, four vehicles and 
an undetermined amount of cash, according to the Drug Enforcement 
Administration. More than 400 federal and local law enforcement 
officers were involved.

The criminal complaint charged 47 members and associates of the gang 
with conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, crack cocaine, 
marijuana and fentanyl.

By early afternoon, 30 people had been arrested, including a police 
officer. Tashika Sledge, 29, was accused of supplying information 
about police activity to gang leader.
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