The afters are officially over for Spybar co-owner Dino Gardiakos. A judge sentenced him to six years in prison this week. A judge sentenced the Chicago nightlife figure to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty in a ketamine smuggling case.
Authorities arrested Gardiakos in March 2024 after he arrived at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on a flight from London. Investigators said he carried about six kilograms, or nearly 14 pounds, of ketamine in his luggage. They found the drugs hidden inside several containers packed in his bags. According to court records, Gardiakos told investigators he purchased the ketamine in London. He allegedly said the seller explained how to conceal the drugs before traveling through customs.
Not Dino’s First Drug Rodeo
The conviction marks Gardiakos’ second guilty plea in a major narcotics case since 2022. At the time of his arrest, he was already serving probation from an earlier drug investigation. That case began with a 2021 raid on his West Town home after authorities intercepted a package shipped from the United Kingdom.
Prosecutors alleged they uncovered ketamine, cannabis, THC concentrate, psilocybin mushrooms, cash, and other items tied to drug distribution. Despite those allegations, Gardiakos ultimately pleaded guilty to a single possession charge and received probation. That probation has now been terminated. Gardiakos will serve a six-year prison sentence following his latest guilty plea.
Following Gardiakos’ arrest, Spybar said it was “shocked and saddened” by the allegations and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity. The club also noted that Gardiakos had not played a role in day-to-day operations for more than seven years. The afters may be over, but the fallout from one of Chicago nightlife’s most high-profile drug cases will likely linger long after the music stops.
*Source – CWBChicago
