CHICAGO — Federal prosecutors have unveiled sweeping charges against 13 individuals in connection with a large-scale marijuana trafficking ring that allegedly operated out of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, using armed guards and stash houses to secure drugs and cash.
The arrests stem from two long-running federal investigations targeting drug networks that, authorities say, used residential homes as distribution centers and security outposts for their illegal operations.
Englewood Drug Market Orchestrated by Alleged Kingpin
At the heart of the investigation is Kejuan “Beeda” Bryant, who prosecutors say ran an extensive marijuana trafficking operation from the 1200 block of W. 73rd Place. The indictment alleges that Bryant and a group of accomplices—including Jamari “Skedda” Goodman, Joseph “Jody Jo” Heath, Matthew “Pooday” Furdge, Kewann “Santana” Whitaker, Igor “England” Dze, and Khiry “Ree” Strickland—moved hundreds of pounds of marijuana across the city while deploying armed guards to protect their network.
The traffickers allegedly stored marijuana and firearms in homes around the neighborhood, with weapons ready to defend both the product and the money it generated. According to the federal complaint, agents uncovered firearms including a Glock 43, AR-15-style pistol, and Sig Sauer P365, among others, along with over $136,000 in cash tied to the ring.
The case details were first reported by CWB Chicago.
Dramatic Raid at Bryant’s Home Reveals Scale of Operation
A pivotal moment in the investigation came on November 13, 2024, when federal agents executed a search warrant at Bryant’s home on the 1500 block of West Asher. According to filings, agents seized:
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Over 50 pounds of marijuana
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More than $100,000 in cash
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Four firearms
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A 5-foot portrait of Bryant and a woman
In the kitchen, officers allegedly found bundles of cash hidden in a cabinet, above the refrigerator, and across the counter. A Beretta pistol was recovered from the master bedroom, wrapped in a T-shirt, next to more cash in drawers and pants.
Down in the basement, agents reportedly discovered 48 vacuum-sealed bags labeled by marijuana strains, additional firearms, and even bank statements in Bryant’s name—all pointing to a highly organized and well-financed drug enterprise.
Additional Indictments in Separate Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Case
While the marijuana case made headlines, federal prosecutors also announced a second indictment tied to fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine distribution involving a separate six-person ring.
Those charged in that case include:
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Andre “Dre” Debruce, 40
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Terrance “T-Mac” Patton, 40
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Craig “CG” Caldwell, 43
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Timothy “Cuzzo” Belin, 48
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Jennifer Word, 39
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Denomoius “Dinero” Wells, 41
Patton and Caldwell—both previously convicted felons—face extra charges for illegally possessing firearms. Caldwell is also accused of using a firearm to further drug trafficking.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that penalties for these charges could include up to life in prison, with mandatory minimums ranging from five to 20 years depending on the defendant’s role.
All six pleaded not guilty at their initial court appearances.
Full case details were published by CWB Chicago.
Crackdown Underscores Federal Focus on Chicago Drug Networks
The coordinated operation reflects growing concern over violent and organized drug networks operating in Chicago neighborhoods, often overlapping with illegal firearm possession and gang activity.
Authorities say the partnership between Chicago Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was key in executing these recent arrests. The feds continue to pursue additional charges where applicable, signaling that more developments could follow.
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