A two-month investigation has resulted in charges being brought against 18 people accused of selling drugs in and around three Aurora taverns, officials said today.A dozen people were arrested Sunday, accused of selling cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy to undercover investigators at the End Zone Bar, Joe’s Cantina and Club Gala, officials said. Six others are still at-large.
A Kane County Grand Jury indicted the 18 suspects last week, said Dan Ferrelli, a spokesman for the city.
Authorities began their investigation after residents complained about illegal drug sales in six bars throughout the city, Ferrelli said. Police conducted undercover operations at the bars but were only approached by the alleged drug dealers in three of them.
Some of those charged were arrested at their homes, while others were detained in or around the bars.
Officials from the Aurora and Illinois State Police launched the "Operation Summer Snow" undercover investigation. They were assisted by federal authorities and the Kane County State's Attorney’s Office.
Of the 12 taken into custody, 11 live in Aurora. The other person lives in Joliet.
The six who are still at-large are Aurora residents. They are Rosario Hernandez, 36, of the 800 block of Gates Street; Jose Romero-Maravilla, 27, of the 600 block of South River Street; Roberto Dieppa, 25, of the 200 block of Prairie Street; Arturo Rios, 25, of the 600 block of Forest Avenue; Tiburcio Becerra, 36, of the 300 block of North Union Street; and Victor Garcia, 35, of the 1200 block of Fifth Avenue.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call Aurora Police Special Operations Investigators at (630) 256-5600. Tipsters can also call Aurora Area Crime Stoppers anonymously at (630) 892-1000 and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to arrests.
