CHICAGO — A federal indictment has unveiled a sprawling marijuana trafficking ring operating in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, complete with armed security patrols and stash houses packed with drugs, weapons, and cash.
Authorities have charged 13 individuals in two separate investigations, with the most significant operation centered around Kejuan “Beeda” Bryant, who allegedly orchestrated the enterprise from the 1200 block of West 73rd Place, according to a criminal complaint unsealed this week.
Armed Security and Neighborhood Control
Federal prosecutors say Bryant’s group trafficked hundreds of pounds of marijuana, storing their product in neighborhood homes while guarding their cash and stash with armed patrols.
Those charged alongside Bryant include:
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Jamari “Skedda” Goodman
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Joseph “Jody Jo” Heath
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Matthew “Pooday” Furdge
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Kewann “Santana” Whitaker
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Igor “England” Dze
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Khiry “Ree” Strickland
These individuals allegedly supplied and managed the operation, using a network of firearms to deter theft and law enforcement intrusion.
Search Reveals Drugs, Weapons, and Cash
On November 13, 2024, DEA agents raided Bryant’s residence on the 1500 block of West Asher, seizing:
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Over 50 pounds of marijuana
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More than $100,000 in cash
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Multiple firearms, including:
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Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol
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Beretta .32 caliber pistol
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Glock 43
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AR-15-style pistol
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Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 rifle
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Agents found cash hidden in kitchen cabinets, on dressers, and in pants, along with vacuum-sealed marijuana bags labeled with various “strains” in the basement. One suitcase contained bank statements in Bryant’s name, and another bag was stuffed with additional cash.
The feds are seeking forfeiture of $136,463 in drug proceeds, along with the weapons cache.
A five-foot-tall portrait of Bryant and a woman was also recovered from the basement, suggesting an image-driven lifestyle alongside the criminal enterprise.
Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Heroin Trafficking Case Also Unveiled
In a separate federal probe, six individuals were indicted for trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine throughout Chicago. The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified them as:
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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 convicted felons — face additional firearm charges, including possession of semiautomatic handguns and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The indictments carry serious penalties:
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Caldwell: up to life in prison (minimum 5 years)
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Patton and Debruce: up to 40 years (minimum 5 years)
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Belin, Word, and Wells: up to 20 years each
All six defendants pleaded not guilty during arraignment.
Coordinated Crackdown Between DEA and Chicago Police
The marijuana and weapons bust in Englewood was part of a joint investigation between the DEA and Chicago Police Department, targeting long-running trafficking operations that used violence and intimidation to control territory and conceal profits.
While both federal probes are ongoing, law enforcement emphasized the scale, organization, and firepower involved. Prosecutors highlighted that the syndicate used residential neighborhoods as safe houses, threatening community safety while turning homes into makeshift armories.
“This wasn’t just drug dealing — it was militarized, organized, and dangerously embedded within residential areas,” a federal official stated off-record.
Have you seen signs of drug trafficking or armed patrols in your neighborhood? Share what you’ve witnessed in the comments — ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com is covering how federal crackdowns are reshaping public safety on our streets.
