Operation Saddle Up has busted a major methamphetamine ring in Warren County and Knox County. Federal indictments have been handed down 8 people. 7 of the suspects have been arrested; one is still on the loose. They are all charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.
"In our mind this was group that was behind a lot of methamphetamine," says James Lewis, U.S. Attorney, Central District of Illinois.
The eight people charged in the case are from Warren County and Knox County. According to the federal indictment the group manufactured and sold meth starting in 2009.
"These defendants crossed jurisdictional lines by either getting their precursors or cooking their methamphetamine," adds Lt. Jeff Jacobs with the West Central Illinois Task Force.
Authorities say the group is responsible for more than 500-grams of meth making its way onto the streets.
"I'm familiar with the people who have been taken out of operation," says Warren County State's Attorney Chip Algren, "I'm sure we're going to be seeing a decline in the community."
A lot of details about the federal case are not being released. However, law enforcement says the suspects worked in both counties. Authorities say the suspects would often move from Knox County to Warren County back to Knox County, to keep their operation going.
Lt. Jacobs says, "To get the precursors, the ingredients to make methamphetamine they're going to spread out and make contacts. They move to different areas to try and avoid detection."
The group allegedly used several types of methods to make methamphetamine, including shake and bake and cooking it.
"The amount of drugs on the street is reduced and so are the hazards of cooking methamphetamine," adds Lewis.
Each of the defendants could face 10-years to life in prison.
