Moshoodi E. Ajijola, 38, of the 6600 block of North Damen Avenue was identified as the head of the organization, and he and eight co-defendants face federal drug charges after a six-month investigation by Chicago police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, according to a police news release.

Six targets of the “Operation Saheroin” investigation, including Ajijola, were taken into custody last week. One was arrested today and two others were still being sought on federal warrants, police said.

According to investigators, the organization imported heroin from Ghana through India and into the United States. Ajijola brought the pure heroin to Chicago, where it was prepared for distribution here and in other Midwest cities, including Rockford, St. Louis and Minneapolis.

Also today, Chicago police announced the closing of an open-air drug market in the 8800 block of South Lowe Avenue.