Charges filed against 2 after makeshift drug laboratory allegedly found in suburban apartment

ALSIP, Ill. — Felony charges have been filed against two Chicagoland residents after authorities allegedly uncovered a makeshift drug laboratory and several pounds of suspected narcotics during a raid on their apartments and storage unit.

Prosecutors said 32-year-old James Howard, a Frankfort resident, and 31-year-old Shantel Robinson, an Oak Lawn resident, have each been charged with drug conspiracy. 

The charges were handed down following an investigation that began after authorities allegedly found 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and approximately 850 grams of suspected cocaine hidden inside a comforter blanket package that Howard had left in the common area of Robinson’s apartment complex last week.

Following the discovery, authorities obtained court authorization to search Robinson’s apartment and during the raid, they found that it was allegedly being used as a clandestine drug laboratory.

Authorities then obtained court authorization to search Howard’s residence as well as a storage unit Robinson leased in Alsip, Ill.

During their search, authorities allegedly discovered more suspected narcotics, drug manufacturing paraphernalia and two packages containing Glock conversion devices, or “switches,” which make handguns capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull.

In addition to the suspected narcotics and paraphernalia, authorities said they also seized around 25 firearms during their three searches.

Both Howard and Robinson were taken into custody on Thursday and both appeared in federal court in Chicago on Friday.

The investigation into the case was conducted as part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ-led nationwide initiative launched in March to intensify prosecution against illegal immigration, cartels, human trafficking, and violent crime.

Authorities did not provide booking photos of either individual.