Citizen Tip Leads To Alleged Drug House
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (STMW) - Police continue to move on citizen tips on drug houses in the city, executing another search warrant this week that adds up to almost half a dozen in the last few months.
On Tuesday, Waukegan police investigators obtained a search warrant and went to a home in the 600 South Jackson St., just after 8 p.m., authorities said Friday. They found and seized 4.2 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of marijuana and a Glock 9mm handgun from the residence.
Neal Dzierla, 32, was arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession with intent to deliver, possession within 1,000 feet of a park, and possession of a handgun without a state Firearm Owner's Identification card.
In many of the recent raids, police have found different kinds of drugs and weapons at almost every home they served a warrant.
"I continue to encourage all residents to contact the police if they suspect there is a drug house in their neighborhood. The police can only succeed in eradicating our neighborhoods of drug dealers with the support of area residents," said Police Chief Dan Greathouse.
He said recent arrests have been "quality arrests" and he does not believe what he has heard some people say, that drug dealing is a victimless crime.
"Tell that to Mrs. McGillicuddy (a fictitious victim), who had her home burglarized last week, and a family heirloom stolen," said Greathouse. That heirloom was priceless to her, but some heroin addict traded it to his drug dealer for less than $50 worth of heroin.
"Unfortunately, we've experienced a rash of residential burglaries over the last few weeks. As a community we really need to properly address the systemic problems of this trend," he said.
Residents need to be alert of suspicious people or vehicles and call 9-1-1 immediately, he said. You can earn a cash reward by calling Lake County Crime Stoppers at (847) 662-2222. Crime Stoppers wants your information, not your name.
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