ROGERS PARK — Cops busted up an open-air drug market on Morse Avenue and have arrested 14 suspects so far following an undercover sting operation, officials said.
Ald. Joe Moore (49th) said the market was "shut down" following the arrests and seizure of heroin, cannabis, and crack cocaine — with a street value of $8,000. Two cars and cash was also confiscated.
The market, in the 1500 block of West Morse Avenue, was controlled primarily by the Gangster Disciples street gang, Moore said in an email to constituents.
"It is a good thing," said John Warner, the community policing facilitator for the Morse Avenue beat. "It’s a step in the right direction."
The alderman said the investigation began after several violent crimes in the area. Community residents had "assisted in the investigation," he said.
Warner said the first 12 arrests were made on Thursday, while two others were made over the weekend.
Four other suspects remain at large, he said.
In December 2011, police arrested at least 15 alleged gang members after a four-month sting operation, code named "Operation Last Stop,” that targeted a $1.6 million-a-year drug market in the neighborhood.
