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Pedro Herrera
Manuel Orona 
| Chicago, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troopers patrolling Interstate 80 uncovered more than 340 pounds of cannabis during routine traffic stops within a 24 hour period from Sunday to Monday, officials announced today On Sunday, January 15, at approximately 11:30 a.m., an ISP Trooper observed a vehicle on I-80 eastbound at Cicero Avenue for a vehicle equipment violation. Upon further investigation, the Trooper uncovered approximately 250 pounds of cannabis inside the Honda Accord, with an estimated street value of $300,000. The driver, Pedro Herrera, 23 of Calumet City and the passenger, Manuel Orona, 50 of Calumet City, were both charged with possession and intent to deliver. Narcotics invade Illinois interstates every day and ISP Troopers work tirelessly to keep motorists and roads safe,” said ISP Lt Colonel Bruce Banks. “These Troopers are to be commended for using solid police instincts that uncovered criminal drug activity during a routine traffic stop,” he added. The following day, Monday, January 16, 2012, another ISP Trooper observed a Toyota Tundra pick-up truck improperly changing lanes and following too closely behind a vehicle. Upon further investigation, more than 90 pounds of high-grade cannabis was located inside the cargo area of the vehicle, with an estimated street value of $351,000. The driver, Abdullah Abdur-Rahim, 35 of Alston, MA., was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Illinois State Police Officials confirmed that these arrests represent the largest seizures so far this year. |
