ROGERS PARK — A dozen suspects were arrested after a months-long drug sting operation in the Howard Street area, police said.
Police said they rounded up the suspects Thursday and confiscated cocaine, crack and marijuana with a street value of $3,000.
During the investigation — which began after several homicides in the neighborhood and near Willye B. White Park earlier this summer — undercover officers bought drugs from "various offenders that were actively selling illegal narcotics near a public park and school in the area," according to a police statement.
Rogers Park Police District Cmdr. Thomas Waldera said narcotics officers "were still out there hunting" for additional suspects.
The "large-scale raid" Thursday targeted members of the LOCs, or Loyalty Over Cash, a street gang affiliated with the Gangster Disciples, he said.
An unmarked police car and several plain-clothed police officers were seen Thursday entering Northpoint Apartments in the 7700 block of North Paulina Avenue.
Ald. Joe Moore (49th) congratulated the police department Saturday morning in an email to constituents.
"The elimination of this drug market undoubtedly will contribute greatly to the continued reduction in crime and the ongoing revitalization of Howard Street," he said.
Police said they arrested nine men, one woman and two "juvenile males," but did not release the names of the suspects or their photographs. They also face possession charges and charges for delivery of marijuana and controlled substances.
