The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) is a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
(HIDTA) funded task force. It achieved another record-breaking year in 2025.
SIG opened 184 criminal investigations, which lead to the arrests of 100 drug traffickers, gun traffickers, and
human traffickers. The team and their federal partners seized more than $7 million street value worth of trafficked
drugs, over 90 illegally possessed firearms, and rescued six victims of human trafficking.
“These results represent the tireless work of investigators who are committed to dismantling criminal organizations
that threaten the safety of our communities,” said Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg. “Every firearm seized,
every trafficker arrested, and every victim rescued represents lives protected and communities made safer. I am
extremely proud of the work done by the investigators assigned to SIG and grateful for the strong partnerships we
share with our federal and local law enforcement partners.”
The task force is brings together local and federal investigators who collaborate to dismantle drug trafficking
organizations, illegal firearms trafficking operations, and other criminal enterprises.
2025 Drug Seizure Highlights:
• 50+ pounds of powder fentanyl
• 37+ pounds of cocaine
• Over 16,000 fentanyl pills
• 23+ pounds of methamphetamine
• 1,400+ grams of heroin
• 2,400+ grams of psilocybin mushrooms
The majority of the drug seizures took place in Lake County, with some occurring in surrounding collar counties in
anticipation that the drugs would be distributed in Lake County.
SIG continues to play a critical role in identifying and disrupting human trafficking operations. In 2025, investigators rescued six victims of human trafficking and connected them with support services through partnerships with local social service organizations.
As a founding member of the Lake County Coalition Against Human Trafficking, SIG remains committed to a
collaborative approach that focuses on both enforcement and victim support.
Beyond investigations, SIG investigators also remain actively involved in prevention and education efforts
throughout Lake County. Members regularly provide presentations and training for schools, community groups, and
local organizations on topics including current drug trends and recognizing the warning signs of human trafficking.
Through these combined enforcement and education efforts, SIG continues to disrupt criminal enterprises and hold
traffickers accountable through prosecutions at both the state and federal levels.
SIG continues to disrupt criminal enterprises and hold traffickers accountable through prosecutions at both the state and federal levels.
Participating SIG Agencies:
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
• United States Department of State
• Gurnee Police Department
• Highland Park Police Department
• Lake County Sheriff’s Office
• Park City Police Department
• Round Lake Police Department
• Round Lake Beach Police Department
• Round Lake Park Police Department
• Vernon Hills Police Department
• Wauconda Police Department
• Waukegan Police Department
• Winthrop Harbor Police Department
• Zion Police Department