Following a nearly two-year investigation, twelve individuals have been federally indicted, with the possibility of more arrests. Prosecutors claim the investigation targeted a significant open-air market for fentanyl and heroin that operated nearly all day on Chicago’s West Side.
Initiated around September 2024, the investigation focused on the 700 block of North St. Louis Avenue. Here, associates of the Traveling Vice Lords street gang were reportedly engaged in continuous narcotics sales, according to a federal detention memorandum. By the investigation’s conclusion, authorities had wiretapped numerous phones, installed surveillance cameras, conducted over 180 controlled drug purchases, and confiscated several narcotic shipments, as stated in the memo.
These controlled purchases, typically involving $10 bags, resulted in the seizure of over 16 pounds of fentanyl or heroin, along with a smaller quantity of crack cocaine, the filing indicates.
During the previous summer, investigators, through wiretaps, discovered Barry “Big Barry” Spires was planning to acquire heroin. After obtaining the drugs, he was pulled over, according to the detention memo. Subsequent intercepted calls revealed discussions among crew members about the arrest and drug seizure.
Tia “TT” Chambers allegedly informed David “Big Boy” Collins, identified as the operation’s leader, that Spires “just got popped with $10,000 worth of [expletive].”
Collins later mentioned that she and others went to Spires’s vehicle, breaking the window to search for the narcotics, unaware that law enforcement had already confiscated them, as per the detention filing.
The investigation reached its peak on July 1 when agents executed numerous search warrants related to the group. Prosecutors stated that they seized large amounts of suspected fentanyl, several firearms, substantial cash, and other drug trafficking evidence. During one raid, agents apprehended Jamieane Ellis, described as “a supplier to the organization” who “managed the stash house” targeted by federal agents.
Prosecutors allege that Collins led the organization, while Tyrone “Smooth” Thomas, Spires, and Cortney Hanes handled large drug quantities for street dealers. Darius “Cuz” Waters supposedly sourced bulk narcotics for the group, whereas Deontario Prater oversaw street sellers. Chambers, Octavius “Mook” Kyles, Essex “Ese” Davis, and Erik Miller were allegedly involved in street-level drug sales.
Federal court records suggest that at least 15 defendants may be implicated, indicating potential further arrests.
The case was managed by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Chicago Police Department.
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