Lockport, IL (MSN) – Authorities seized a massive stash of drugs and firearms following a months-long investigation into narcotics trafficking in Lockport, Illinois. Law enforcement officials confiscated enough drugs to cover an entire table and 14 firearms from two residences linked to 28-year-old Denzel Hawthorne.

Multi-Agency Operation Leads to Arrest

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, multiple units from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Frankfort police officers, and federal agents executed search warrants at two properties: one in the 500 block of Rosanne Lane and the other in the 16500 block of Basil Court.

During surveillance at the Rosanne Lane apartment complex, Hawthorne was spotted leaving the premises. After a brief foot chase, deputies subdued him, despite his attempts to resist and reach for his waistband. Once in custody, police found two baggies of crack cocaine, three baggies of heroin, a substantial amount of cash, and two cellphones in his possession. Authorities stated that Hawthorne refused to speak to deputies.

Search Warrants Uncover Large Drug Stash and Firearms

Deputies then proceeded to search both locations. At Rosanne Lane, officers found another individual inside who was detained, questioned, and later released without charges. Inside the apartment, police discovered a digital scale, cash, cocaine, methamphetamine, and various other pills suspected to be illegal substances. A 2020 Infiniti SUV was also seized.

At the Basil Court residence, which was unoccupied at the time of the raid, officers uncovered a staggering 15,000 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine, along with heroin. Additionally, 14 firearms were recovered, including three AR-15 rifles—one of which had been reported stolen. Authorities also seized various calibers of ammunition, several gun magazines, some of which were high-capacity, multiple ID cards belonging to Hawthorne, and a large sum of cash.

Serious Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Hawthorne now faces multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and heroin, illegal firearm possession with a revoked Firearm Owners Identification Card, and resisting arrest.

As of Thursday night, authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges possible as law enforcement continues to examine the seized evidence.