The owner of Spybar, a popular nightclub in Chicago, has been arrested on charges of drug trafficking. Dino Gardiakos was apprehended at O’Hare International Airport after authorities found more than six kilograms of ketamine and almost six grams of MDMA in his possession. Cook County sheriff’s office stated that the club owner was returning from London when he was discovered with a large amount of drugs hidden in containers in his luggage. Gardiakos admitted to purchasing the drugs for “personal use” and to sell inside Chicago.
The 43-year-old club owner was already on probation for previous drug offenses when he was detained. Gardiakos now faces charges of drug trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. Two days after his arrest, Spybar issued a statement saying it was shocked and saddened by Gardiakos’ arrest. The staff, management, and operating owner expressed their concern over the allegations.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Gardiakos had around 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms) of ketamine in his luggage. Gardiakos’ situation is poignant as Chicago continues to battle the opioid crisis. In 2017, Cook County saw a drastic rise in opioid-related deaths, causing the government to take measures to address the problem. While drug enforcement agencies are working daily to limit use and distribution, this situation denotes that there is much left to do.
As of this writing, Gardiakos’ trial is yet to take place. The prevalence of illegal drugs in Chicago remains a problem, necessitating that relevant government agencies continue to act on the problem. The owner’s associations with the nightlife scene of the city led many to express their solidarity with the shady side of the industry, which calls for a more wholesome outlook on drugs and its implications worldwide
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