The sheriff’s special investigation group arrested an alleged drug trafficker who authorities say was selling a “deadly combination” of fentanyl-laced drugs in the Lake County community.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the sheriff’s office, along with the Waukegan Police Department and Gurnee Police Department, received numerous tips on a person selling drugs in the community.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group (SIG) launched an investigation into the suspect, identified as Travier L. Bunch, 32, of Waukegan, who was reported to be selling fentanyl, meth, heroin, cocaine and other drugs, Covelli said.
SIG detectives conducted a more than a month investigation. Bunch sold drugs to undercover detectives during the investigation, Covelli said.
Covelli said an analysis of the drugs by the crime laboratory showed Bunch was distributing a deadly combination of fentanyl, heroin, and meth.
Detectives learned Bunch had an active arrest warrant for domestic battery.
Undercover SIG detectives conducted surveillance on Bunch on Thursday, Covelli said.
He was arrested in the 600 block of Hill Street in Waukegan with the assistance of Waukegan police officers.
Covelli said Bunch was in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, hydrocodone and cannabis when he was arrested.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved 17 counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, ranging from Class X to Class 2 felonies.
The state’s attorney’s office filed a petition to detain Bunch while he awaits trial.
Bunch remains held in the Lake County Jail pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for Monday.
“I am very proud of our Special Investigations Group for identifying and arresting another Lake County drug trafficker,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Through our partnership with HIDTA, federal, and local partners, SIG is having extreme success in removing drugs and firearms from some of the most violent criminals operating in Lake County,” Idleburg said.