Federal law enforcement authorities have arrested two individuals following the seizure of multiple kilograms of fentanyl and around 25 firearms from their residences and a storage unit in suburban Chicago. The arrests were made after a criminal complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, charging James Howard, 32, of Frankfort, Illinois, and Shantel Robinson, 31, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, with drug conspiracy. Both suspects were apprehended on Thursday and are set to appear in federal court today.
The complaint reveals that law enforcement discovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and about 850 grams of suspected cocaine last week from a package placed by Howard in the common area of Robinson’s apartment complex. A subsequent search authorized by the court found multiple firearms and evidence of a drug laboratory inside Robinson’s apartment. Further searches at Howard’s residence and a storage unit leased by Robinson in Alsip, Illinois uncovered additional narcotics, drug manufacturing equipment, more firearms, and Glock “conversion devices,” which enable handguns to fire multiple rounds with one trigger pull.
Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced the complaint and arrests. Several local police departments and agencies assisted in this operation including those from Will County Sheriff’s Office to Buffalo Grove Police Department among others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kurt Siegal and Minje Shin represent the government as investigations continue.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at countering illegal immigration while targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The program consolidates efforts through the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Authorities remind the public that a complaint does not constitute evidence of guilt; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
