Williamson County law enforcement officials say they are making progress in breaking up a major drug ring.
State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti says a grand jury has indicted 19 people for the possession and distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. He says the activity occurred in Marion and Herrin from November 2013 to November of this year.
Zanotti says this is just the beginning of law enforcement's effort - led by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group - to reduce the growing drug trade in Williamson County.
Marion Police Chief Dawn Tondini says several of the 19 people indicted were working together in this operation, which she calls one of the largest she's seen in her 20 years on the force. The chief says this was a yearlong investigation.
Eight of the 19 indicted are in custody. Zanotti says they are not releasing the names at this time.
