Owner of Chicago’s Spybar nightclub busted for drug trafficking
CHICAGO — The owner of a downtown Chicago nightclub is facing felony drug trafficking charges after prosecutors allege he tried to smuggle illegal narcotics through customs at O’Hare International Airport.
Spybar nightclub owner Dino Gardiakos, 43, of Chicago was allegedly found to be in possession of substantial amounts of ketamine and ecstasy while traveling from London to Chicago early Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
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Just before 12:40 a.m. Wednesday, officers allegedly discovered six containers, which prosecutors later determined to be 14 pounds worth of ketamine, upon his arrival at O’Hare.
Law enforcement officials also discovered a pill bottle that allegedly contained about 5.8 grams of ecstasy.
According to deputies, after being read his Miranda Rights, Gardiakos admitted to purchasing six kilograms of ketamine from someone in London. Prosecutors add that the individual he bought the drugs from allegedly informed him how to conceal and smuggle the drugs through customs at O’Hare.
When asked about the drugs, Gardiakos admitted they were both for personal use and profit across the Chicagoland area.
Gardiakos, who prosecutors say was already on probation for felony drug offenses, is charged with various drug charges, including trafficking of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
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The nightclub owner appeared in court on Thursday and was released under pre-trial conditions.
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