Felony Charges Filed Against Buffalo Grove Man for Drug Trafficking
A Lake County man is facing a slew of felony charges after authorities allegedly uncovered more than 10 pounds of marijuana and more than half a pound of MDMA at his home during a search this week.
The Investigation
Officials from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said 33-year-old Zans Batjuks, a Buffalo Grove resident, has been charged with several felonies, including two counts of manufacturing ecstasy, two counts of unlawful possession of ecstasy, one count of manufacturing/delivery of cannabis, and one count of unlawful possession of cannabis.
The charges were handed down following a joint investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The Search and Seizure
SIG detectives received a tip that Batjuks had been acquiring large amounts of MDMA for distribution. After detectives initiated an undercover operation, they were able to secure a search warrant for the suspect’s home.
On Wednesday, members of SIG and HSI executed a search warrant at Batjuks’ home and allegedly uncovered over 315 grams of MDMA, 15 ecstasy pills, cocaine, and over 5,200 grams of cannabis.
The Sheriff’s Office Reacts
"Our Special Investigations Group has once again collaborated with our local and federal partners to identify a person selling dangerous drugs in our community," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said. "I am proud of their continued work and their continued success removing deadly drugs from our community."
The Arrest and Court Proceedings
Batjuks is currently being held at the Lake County Jail. He appeared for an initial court hearing on Thursday.
What You Need to Know
- Zans Batjuks, a 33-year-old Buffalo Grove resident, has been charged with several felonies related to drug trafficking.
- Authorities seized over 10 pounds of marijuana, over 315 grams of MDMA, and other drugs from his home.
- The charges were filed following a joint investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, SIG, HIDTA, and HSI.
- Batjuks is currently being held at the Lake County Jail and appeared for an initial court hearing on Thursday.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Zans Batjuks?
A: Batjuks has been charged with two counts of manufacturing ecstasy, two counts of unlawful possession of ecstasy, one count of manufacturing/delivery of cannabis, and one count of unlawful possession of cannabis.
Q: How much marijuana and MDMA were seized from Batjuks’ home?
A: Authorities seized over 10 pounds of marijuana and over 315 grams of MDMA.
Q: What is the purpose of the HIDTA task force?
A: The HIDTA task force is a federally funded program that aims to reduce drug trafficking and drug-related violence in high-intensity drug trafficking areas.
Q: What is the outcome of the investigation and charges against Batjuks?
A: Batjuks is currently being held at the Lake County Jail and appeared for an initial court hearing on Thursday. Further proceedings are pending.
