West Side drug market shut down

August 01, 2007 | 5:36 PM

At a West Side drug market that was recently shut down by Chicago police, dealers took the idea of the free sample to a particularly ruthless extreme: those who took samples and then didn't show up to buy more drugs were beaten up or worse.

At least one was shot dead, said 11th District Commander James Jackson.

Police announced today that they shut down the market, run by the Traveling Vice Lords street gang in the East Garfield Neighborhood.

"Operation Double Wrap" involved long-term undercover surveillance of the area, bordered by Huron Street on the south, Chicago Avenue on the north, Kedzie Avenue to the east and Homan Avenue to the west. Police arrested 10 people, and charged seven more who remain at large.

Over the course of the seven month investigation, police said, they made 25 undercover drug purchases, netting more than 200 grams of heroin.

Also confiscated were two hand guns and $4,837 in cash.

"The West Side was a mecca for buying the best drugs," said Jackson. The market's close vicinity to Interstate 290 made it especially accessible to suburban customers.

The investigation began after community members complained about the market, which was operated within 1000 feet of Samuel B. Morse Elementary School and four places of worship.

"We don't have to live like animals," said 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts. "Get mad, mad enough to work until you get some answers," she advised her constituents.

Arrested and charged with criminal drug conspiracy were:

Kerry Anderson, 36
Dimitri Buford, 27
Vernon Chapman, 28
Robert Douglas, 26
Ramon Jones, 34
Mortice McGee, 27
Melvin Miller, 36
Opheous Mitchell, 39
Jalal Spearman, 29

One 16-year-old was arrested and charged as a juvenile with delivery of a controlled substance.

Police said they also charged the following people, who are at large: