The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, continue to set records year after year.  In 2022, the team opened 112 criminal cases, arresting 67, and seizing nearly $7,000,000.00 worth of Illegal drugs in Lake County.  Additionally, they seized 120 illegally possessed firearms, many of which were possessed by convicted felons.  

In 2022, SIG seizures included:

•    Over 72 pounds of powder cocaine

•    Nearly 10,000 grams of fentanyl (enough to kill thousands)

•    Four pounds of heroin

•    Over 61 pounds of illegally trafficked cannabis

•    Over 14,000 illegally trafficked prescription pills

SIG is a partner with the Lake County Coalition Against Human Trafficking and in 2022, SIG conducted multiple presentations throughout Lake County on the warning signs of human trafficking.  Additionally, members of SIG conducted a number of presentations to school educators, students, community organizations, and neighborhood groups to keep the community closely informed of drug trends, warning signs, and resources available.  

SIG is the only HIDTA funded initiative in Lake County.  With this funding, they are able to allocate substantial resources toward drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and criminal enterprises.  

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “We have been placing a major emphasis on arresting drug traffickers, seizing illegally possessed firearms, all while holding those accountable who possess or sell them, and rescuing victims from human trafficking.  The amazing partnership we have developed with federal and local law enforcement is a significant reason SIG is so successful.  Congratulations to our Special Investigations Group for keeping seven million dollars’ worth of drugs out of our community and seizing over 100 illegally possessed firearms.”

Participating Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group agencies are:

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)

Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Park City Police Department

Round Lake Beach Police Department

Round Lake Park Police Department 

Wauconda Police Department

Winthrop Harbor Police Department

Zion Police Department