CHICAGO – When Carol Stream police discovered nearly 10 ounces of cocaine in an apartment storage locker early this month, the alleged owner of the drugs had a story to tell.

He said that after serving as an informant for three Schaumburg, tactical police officers, he had become their business partner. The cops stole cash and narcotics from drug dealers. The informant peddled the dope they seized.

That claim led the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to mount a sting operation against the Schaumburg officers. When it allegedly bore fruit, federal agents pounced, arresting the men Wednesday outside of Woodfield Mall.